James Birkett (guitar) & Bradley Johnston (guitar)
(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Roly Veitch)
Doors leading to the Black Bull’s beer garden were open all evening in a futile attempt to circulate fresh air through the lounge. The air stilled, nothing was moving. This month’s jazz concert drew a good crowd, with many of those present no doubt aware that Blaydon Jazz Club had recently lost one of its most loyal supporters with the passing of Margaret Barnes. The guitar duo of Dr James Birkett and Bradley Johnston expressed their admiration for Margaret, known to all as a keen jazz fan, and, quite simply, a very nice lady.
Our duo began with Black Orpheus. Birkett’s Blues for BJ (for his six string partner), then a Lonnie Johnson/Eddie Lang classic – Blue Room – set the highest of standards. The Birkett-Johnston duo began as a master and pupil arrangement. Now, Johnston, the 1st Class Honours graduate, is the equal partner in this musical relationship. Luiz Bonfá’s Uma Prece held the audience spellbound, a magical All the Things You Are, and as Birkett suggested, the Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over Me an appropriate tune for us to remember Margaret, this was jazz guitar playing par excellence.
A bumper raffle (no fewer than nine prizes), a Deuchar’s glass replenished, the still, balmy evening encouraged all present to listen intently to our magicians – Messrs Birkett and Johnston – at work. Jobim’s Wave, Metheny’s Farmer’s Market (there had to be a Metheny number!), Doxy – a familiar set list perhaps, yet this concert performance exceeded expectations. The arrangements, changes, solos, everything about the evening just seemed right. John Lewis’ Skating in Central Park , elegant to the last, a brilliant – yet not too quick! – Cherokee, Johnston Spain
Russell
All proceeds from the evening will be donated in memory of Margaret Barnes to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
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