The Northern Monkey Brass Band @ The Fox, Hexham. March 28

Graham Hardy (trumpet), Ben Chinnery (trumpet), Jamie Toms (tenor saxophone), David Gray (trombone), Jason Holcomb (trombone), Phil Rosier (tuba), Adam Sinclair (snare drum) & Brendan Murphy (bass drum)

(Review by Russell)

The good folk of Hexhamshire have a Friend in Jesus. They may not have known it, but Graham Hardy’s New Orleans eight-piece made the trip way out west to spread the word, the missionary words ‘funky jazz’. The Northern Monkey Brass Band draws them in, softens them up with a pop tune of yesteryear, then sets about laying down some jazz, bold as brass.

Star Wars’ Imperial March, Kung-Fu Fighting (honestly!), and some Monkey’s Blood. Yes, 2017 New Orleans’ voodoo worked its magic spell. Hexham Jazz Club’s regulars, friends of the band and the Fox Inn’s pool-playing sharks momentarily ceased circling, enthralled by the music. Hardy thought it apt to close the first set with Waters of Tyne.

All-action David Gray and the depping Jason Holcomb knocked out killer trombone solos, to their right, tenor man Jamie Toms surfaced from time to time with his usual measured solo contribution amidst the blowing brass. The fun time rhythm boys – Adam Sinclair, snare and Brendan Murphy bass drum – are the best in the business, and, as usual, had a ball. Phil Rosier, tuba, was where he should be…’right there’, every time. Main man Hardy called on trumpet dep Ben Chinnery and the absence of Alistair Lord went more or less unnoticed – praise indeed. Superstition must be a real blast for horn players. If they’re not going to get the call from Mr S Wonder the next best is surely to play it for themselves and they did just that. GH writes for the band and tonight Funky Pie was on the menu. The north of England has many fine bands, a few of them are guaranteed five-star performers – the Northern Monkey Brass Band is one of them. The NMBB can be heard next week – April 5th – down river at the Cluny in the Ouseburn as they showcase their talents at Sage Gateshead’s ‘Future Grooves’ night. Recommended. 

Russell.