Maine Street Jazzmen @ Seaton Sluice Social Club – Final Performance July 23

(Requiem by John T)

A sad night at the Sluice. A continuing low turnout (in the low 20s) has forced Herbie to call it day for this long running monthly gig.

The low turnout did not phase the band and they got a standing ovation at the end. Two fantastic one-hour sets.

Jim McBriarty and Bob Wade did the two Clarinet thing With Creole Love Call, ably supported by Herbie Hudson on harmonica. See attached photo. Smashing arrangement, each musician having a great empathy for the others. Overall, this band just gets better and better.

On a positive note, it's good to remember all the good times. Bob Wade got his first blow with the band at this venue.

I met up with a distant member of my family tree at the gig last night. Not seen her for several years and I did not know she was a band follower. She said she would try to support the band at their other venues

As far as I know, the weekly Maine Street gig continues at Sunniside. The band's monthly gig at the British Legion, West Jesmond also continues. Next date tomorrow, (Tuesday July 25) – see BSH listings for other sessions.

John T.

Herbie Hudson (trom./vocal/harmonica); Bob Wade (trumpet/flugel/clarinet); Jim McBriarty (clarinet/tenor/vocal); Malcolm Armstrong (keys); Alan Rudd (bass); Ollie Rillands (drums); Olive Rudd (vocal).