Emma Fisk (violin) James Birkett and David Harris (guitars) Bruce Rollo (Bass).
(Review by Steve T).
We're big fans of Ms Fisk and Dr B and I’d like to think we've grown from groupies to mates over many years, FDT and HDT getting odd lessons on guitar and fiddle respectively. So, my apologies to Bradley and the Globe - our original destination - and doubly so cos James confirmed he'd have been there also.
The Prohibition bar, peeing distance from Sage Gateshead, is new to me and a terrific venue for some old style Jazz and I'll be amazed if they're not back there soon.
It turned out it was a private party for one David Green, leaving Gateshead College, which they decided to open up to the public and number one wife and I were delighted they did.
An evocative setting with the staff and some party-goers dressed in period, we were transported back to the speakeasies of 1920s Chicago, but without the machine guns.
The band, in tux and posh frock (Emma only), were crammed onto a tiny stage which looked amazing, with the violin and bass stood behind the two sitting guitarists, but was tricky for Emma, though fortunately James and David both have their own hair or her more frantic fiddling moments may have been the cause of some embarrassment.
The audience, fluctuating around thirty, chatted throughout, oblivious they weren't supposed to, but this only added 'authenticity' to the atmosphere. We applauded enthusiastically, clapped along to Dark Eyes, and some danced, and some of them did a pretty impressive Charleston.
The band were great, as always, David Harris, one of the original guitarists from Djangology (note the spelling), settling back in nicely. I know he's a big deal in Country circles, but a fine Gypsy guitarist too, seeming to take a bigger share of solos than I remember from their debut at Blaydon. Bruce Rollo is a new name to me, but never put a finger or thumb wrong, some terrific slapping going on too.
An earlier than scheduled (in BSH) start and some technical difficulties meant we didn't catch or know all the titles, though Mrs T is getting more useful at this as I become less, but we got: Someone Like You, Sweet Georgia Brown, Minor Swing, Dinah, Lady be Good with a new (to me) coda and, as always, peaking with Emma closing Nuages with her customary perfect timing, beauty and splendour. If we could bottle it, we’d hand it out at cinemas to those soaking up the latest instalment of, what George called Beatle lore, to wash up from straight, white US of A.
The remainder of the night promised hard drink and loose morals but we'd apparently forgotten Mrs Ts' driving shoes so we headed back, though I'm hopeful we'll make a return visit soon The Budtet are playing jazz standards on Friday, Sept. 23 and Big Muddy are making a return visit a week earlier on Sept. 16. The Prohibiton Bar looks like becoming a player!
Steve T
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