Jam Session @ The Black Swan - Dec. 11

Paul Grainger (bass); Steve Glendinning (guitar); Russ Morgan (drums) + Neville Hartley (trombone); James Cuxson, M.G. Smith (guitars); Ray Burns (harmonica/vocals); John Pope (bass); Patrick Freyne (drums); Faye Thompson (alto sax).

(Review by Lance).

PHOTOS.

Whilst this may not have been one of those 'never to be forgotten nights' there was, nevertheless, still much to enjoy from the offerings on display - not least Ron's homemade mince pies!

The house trio for the evening hit the deck with Stella By Starlight; All Blues and Have You Met Miss Jones? Steve Glendinning in good form setting the standard for the guitarists waiting in the wings.

That veteran campaigner, Neville Hartley just happened to have brought his trombone along and he used it to great effect on Poor Butterfly and Tea For Two complete with the verse - all done, by Neville, without the safety net of an iPad.

Southpaw Epiphonist James Cuxson delighted with Isn't This Romantic? and I Fall in Love Too Easily before John Pope came off the bench for Billie's Bounce and On Green Dolphin Street. This gave Paul Grainger an earlier break than usual although he would be back.

M.G. Smith, sporting a Fender Squire, along with Neville and Patrick Freyne on drums played a somewhat strange version of The Saints who didn't completely march in falling short within sight of the pearly gates. More successful was Putting on the Ritz and Mister Sandman.

Ray Burns is putting himself about a bit these days which is always good news and tonight the Hohner harpist played and sang Body and Soul as only he can and somehow managed to insert a snatch of Jingle Bells during his solo!

Faye Thompson paid a surprise visit excelling on It Could Happen to You and Doxy. Superb, tasty alto playing. Russ Morgan took a solo that justified his wearing of a Superman sweatshirt. Summertime next and time for a refill of Grainger Ale as the sartorial Mr Burns joined Faye and co. 

Nica's Dream by the trio led us into the home straight with Faye and Neville on There Will Never be Another You before the final blast on Take the A Train.

Audience numbers were below average and questions were raised as to why. Apart from the obvious seasonal thing maybe, it's because it's not so obvious to passing trade as the old Jazz Café (soon to become the new Prohibition Bar) was. Time alone will tell.

Nevertheless, although not a vintage night, nor was it a bad one - roll on next year!

Lance.

PHOTOS.