Jam Session at the Fire Station, Sunderland - June 7.

Stu Collingwood (piano); Andy Champion (bass); Russ Morgan (drums) + Kate O'Neill (vocal); Matt MacKellar (drums); Gordon Brown (alto); Adam Cornell (bass guitar).

(Review by Lance).

The third week of the Fire Station jams and, I'm pleased to report that in addition to the house trio there were four more jammers than there were on the first week (I missed the second week). Four totally different players and approaches.

The trio kicked off with Come Rain or Come Shine setting the mood for the evening which I'm told was the hottest of the year so far, temperature-wise. I'm not quite sure where this was recorded but it certainly wasn't in Sunderland. In fact, as Kate O'Neill sang, It Might as Well be Spring. Prior to this, like all girl singers do, she'd sang Cry me a River and, the not so overworked, Crazy he Calls me. All three delivered in her own distinctive manner.
The ubiquitous Matt took over on drums for Caravan which saw us through to intermission time.

A surprise visitor was Gordon Brown, who isn't a former Prime Minister but currently blows lead alto with the Bright Street Big Band - an equally demanding position.

Gordon's manifesto consisted of It's Only a Paper Moon, Satin Doll and Besame Mucho which he delivered as promised. No wild fantasies, just pure-toned melody and light variations that nestled easily on the ear.

Adam Cornell provided contrast. A Sage Gateshead student, he left Andy Champion to do the basic bass work whilst he moved up the fretboard for a guitarish blast on, I think, Billie's Bounce. He also played one of his own compositions entitled, Sometimes It's Alreet Yer Knar (he's from Sunderland).

He also scored it in 6 flats which is more flats than your average musician plays in a lifetime and is known to have caused early retirement by many a musician.

Fortunately, Stu, Andy and Matt weren't phased and handled it with ease. Andy even taking a bowed solo.

As the evening drew to a close Kate returned for Summertime and, finally, Don't Explain.

An enjoyable evening. Check it out next Thursday.

Lance.