Less than twenty-four hours before the start of the big bash at Sage Gateshead the Millstone was packed. Stacked chairs were unstacked, posteriors were placed on them. The Strictly Smokin’ Big Band’s monthly public rehearsal session welcomed back the long lost Guy Swinton (last sighted in Lapland !) and, but for one or two deps, MD Michael Lamb had the regular band at his disposal.
It Had to be You sang F’reez, Don’cha Go ’Way Mad sang Alice . Pav - that’s the underrated Pawel Jedrzejewski on guitar - laid down a fine opening solo on Bag’s Groove, a typically good start. The vocal duo of F’reez and Alice had some fun on Wonderwall, MD Lamb enthused about Satin Doll – the band not so enthused, he said – and your reviewer concurred. The band’s printed set list (tune no.9) read: All or Nowt at Aaaalll. Aye, the Geet Geordie Songbook number went doon a treat.*
Mulligan’s Red Door closed out the first set, down to the bar, another Wylam Gold Tankard.