Matthew MacKellar's farewell do was quite a lavish affair with crisps, sausage rolls and other party nibbles adorning the tables plus, naturally, plenty music to sooth the savaged breast.
Both floors of the popular Pink Lane bopperie were utilised as friends, family, and the various bands the young drummer has enhanced, wished him well on his voyage into the unknown or, to be more precise, Berklee College of Music.
As the happenings were on two levels it was decided that I should cover the lower deck and my worthy constituent Russell the flight deck.
Ben Lawrence Trio: Ben Lawrence (piano); Alex Shipsey (bass guitar); Dylan Thompson (drums).
A short opener by a trio that, although barely past puberty, played with a maturity that belied their years. Pianist Lawrence opened up with a Bill Evans inspired version of Someday my Prince Will Come followed by Sam Rivers' Beatrice and an original of his own that had Pizza in the title. Three young men to watch out for.
We ran upstairs for the Early Bird Band which the trio are also involved with then back down again for...
John Wilson Trio: John Wilson (guitar); Deon Krishnan (bass guitar); Matt MacKellar (drums/guitar) + Dave Lourie (drums).
The first appearance (downstairs) by the evening's central figure. Matt, alongside two of the scene's 'heavies' - John Wilson and Deon Krishnan - left no doubt as to our young drummer's credentials. I don't think there will be any "Not quite my tempo" crits when he crosses the pond.
Deon is well known on the scene, Wilson more well-known behind the scene as teacher and session man in other genres. St. Thomas rubber stamped his jazz credentials as did the blues-rock number that followed which had a fiery solo from Matt.
There was more to come. Drum educator Dave Lourie replaced Matt behind the kit and Matt picked up a guitar and treated us to a well-played version of Watch What Happens. We did watch and what happened was impressive!
The final Scrapple From the Apple had Matt back on drums. Super set.
Back upstairs for the Francis Tulip Quartet, a bottle of Grainger Ale. a sausage roll then back down for...
Paul Edis Trio: Paul Edis (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Russ Morgan (drums).
Edis is a main player in the area's jazz education program and it's fair to say that few of the younger performers would have reached their present standard without his expert guidance. Thus 'twas right and proper that he should have his own slot in the show.
Days of Wine and Roses, Stomping at the Savoy (as a samba!), Falling in Love With Love and a mega fast Anthropology paved the way for the raffle.
Lots of prizes - some folk won and some folk didn't. I fell into the latter category, Russell, the former.
Upstairs for the Dave Weisser Combo then back down for the Jam Session,
Unfortunately, we were behind schedule - unlike the 27 bus - so I had to miss the grand finale but, it had been a great night and a worthy bon voyage for a talented young man.
All proceeds from the evening were donated to the Early Bird Youth Jazz Development Project at Newcastle's Lit & Phil Society. At the last count £374 had been raised.
The event was expertly compered by Matt's father George MacKellar
Lance.
3 comments :
What a great night. Good luck Matthew, you'll be amazing
Good luck from me too Matthew, it's been a privilege to have been your guitar teacher.
George was amazing and I told him so. What an awesome dad!
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