Jazz Jam @ Empty Shop - October 8

(Review by Russell)

From the Quakerhouse a mad dash to the Empty Shop to hear who’s new on the Durham scene. Durham University students are back and most Sundays during term time you can find hordes of them on the first floor of 35c Framwellgate Bridge. This Sunday was no different – cool dudes, or dudes looking cool, some trying to look anything other than a fresher, the place was crowded.

Chief Dude Carlo was at the speakeasy’s door to welcome one and all. Ascending the stairs to an enthusiastic take on The Girl from Ipanema, a paint-splattered chair stood vacant. Once occupied, scan the room…cool dudes. Cool. Piano (fresher type, yet to take off his coat, perhaps he wasn’t planning on hanging around this evening), bass player perched on an amp (cool pose), drummer (partially obscured view, possibly a cool dude). There Will Never Be Another You – good. Change of personnel, Dan Garel takes to the floor. Last week altoist Garel impressed at Newcastle’s Jazz Café, he did so again ripping into Straight No Chaser. Our piano fresher impressed on So What as did Michael Williams on flugelhorn. Tenderly marked out Williams as one to check out. Later DUBB drummer Tristan Bacon put down his beer and sat in. Garel, Bacon and Williams, with a bit of luck one or two of these cool dudes will be at Newcastle Jazz Café’s next jam session (Tuesday of next week, October 17).  

Empty Shop jam sessions are organised by Durham University Jazz Society starting at seven thirty with free admission, taking place on most (not all) Sundays. Check the Empty shop website for the latest dates.     

Russell