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.

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.
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)
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