Another crazy night on Pink Lane - October 3

(Review by Russell)

The competition was fierce…Gerry Richardson in Hexham (the train about to depart), the Customs House Big Band’s rehearsal night at the New Crown, and the best blues jam session in town down at the Brandling Villa on Haddrick’s Mill Road. Something nagged…the Jazz Café’s first (and third!) Tuesday in the month jam session invariably produces fireworks, you just can’t afford to miss it.

Blue Bossa for starters, the Jazz Café audience a bit slow off the mark, but turn up they did. In time the joint was jumpin’. The sitters-in were jockeying for position at the bar. It’s a treat to hear pianist Alan Law whatever the occasion. From time to time he couldn’t resist the Latin vibe and John Pope   and sparring partner Paul Wight offered little resistance when they were taken to Cuba (and back). The bass and drums pairing found time to showcase Pope’s arco bass solo topped off with filigree brush work from Wight.

Jazz Co-op mainstay Keith Barrett threw his hat in the ring, immediately impressing on Lover Man and the Gibson playing guitarist stayed on for a couple more. A good start. Hey! Look who’s here…

it’s Jeremy McMurray! Alan Law and Jeremy McMurray in the house, how lucky are we? Law took five and…here’s Dan Garel. Things were hotting up! Autumn Leaves, Blue Monk, biting alto, rhythm section cookin’ – it’s the only show in town. Drummer John Bradford made a big impression when he turned up a fortnight ago and he turned up once again. A most welcome addition to the session, check him out. Hey! Look who’s here…Mr John Rowland and ‘Showtime’ David Gray! Rowland’s trademark Johnny Cool tenor, Gray’s all-action trombone, the jam session was well and truly under way.

South Shields born, Canadian resident, in walked Paul Lucas. ‘On vacation’ Lucas dropped by with acoustic guitar in hand, Lewis Currie at the piano, Cantaloupe Island then Meditation with the line-up changing  by the minute. Drummer Mohammad sat in on a couple, Wight resumed duties, Early Bird guitarist Matthew Downey joined the party but not before fellow guitarist Ath Alex took a trip on a Pink Lane A Train. A time-consuming guitar pedal board set-up threatened a hiatus until Jeremy McMurray stepped in to play a consummate piano medley. Early Bird Downey showed what he can do when he puts his mind to it on St Thomas, and to put the icing on yet another tremendous Jazz Café jam session Katy Trigger put in a late appearance as Jordan Alfonso tore it up on alto.

So busy was it that several hopefuls didn’t get the call. They’ll be back next time. The date for your diary is Tuesday 17 October, eight o’clock start.                            

Russell

Alan Law (piano), John Pope (double bass) & Paul Wight (drums) + more or less in order of appearance Keith Barrett (guitar), Jeremy McMurray (piano), John Bradford (drums), Paul Lucas (guitar), Dan Garel (alto saxophone), Ath Alex (guitar), Lewis Currie (piano), Mohammad (drums), Jordan Alfonso (alto saxophone), John Rowland (tenor saxophone), David Gray (trombone), Matthew Downey (guitar), Peter Saaremets (guitar) & Katy Trigger (double bass)