Rendezvous Jazz @ St Joseph’s, Birtley - November 2

Maureen Hall (vocals), Gavin Lee (clarinet & alto saxophone), Don Fairley (trombone), Malcolm Armstrong (keyboards), John Robinson (double bass) & George Davidson (drums & vocals)

(Review by Russell)

Alabama Jubilee, Royal Telephone, Alexander’s Ragtime Band. Dixieland and gospel – trademark Rendezvous Jazz. St Joseph’s CMS Parish Centre on Birtley Lane has presented jazz for close on two decades. On an evening such as this draw the Mason-Dixon Line straight through the Borough of Gateshead. Maureen Hall’s raiders set up camp in St Joseph’s concert room. Hall’s lieutentants, Gavin Lee and Don Fairley, sat either side, armed with clarinet and alto saxophone, and trombone. In the platoon’s chuck wagon conscripts Malcolm Armstrong, keyboards, John Robinson, bass, and George Davidson, drums and vocals, were busily cooking up a mighty southern stew.

I’m the Lonesomest Gal in Town sang Hall, I Want a Girl (Just Like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad) sang Davidson…lots of gals and girls in Birtley town tonight. Lieutenant Lee’s clarinet feature, Bechet’s Petite Fleur, and Lieutenant Fairley’s mellifluous I’m Getting Sentimental Over You enabled Hall to stand to one side and appreciate the instrumental mastery of her subordinates.

The Weary Blues produced a rarity – bassist John Robinson took a short, succinct solo! The twelve bar blues Young Fashioned Ways (as recorded by Chris Barber, said Hall) prompted a few nodding heads agreeing with Hall as she sang verse and chorus. At the Jazz Band Ball, Way Down Yonder, goodtime jazz from Rendezvous Jazz. Pianist Malcolm Armstrong suggested Hall should, perhaps, sing a slower version (à la Peggy Lee) of Baby Won’t You Please Come Home? The band retired to the bar leaving the stage to Hall and Armstrong. Voice and piano accompaniment – by far Hall’s best performance in years. Do it again Maureen!

Russell