Bobbi Charleston (vocals, washboard); Michael Lamb (trumpet); Keiran Parnaby (trombone); Keith Robinson (saxophones, clarinet); Katja Roberts (violin); Marcus Tham (piano); Michael Littlefield (guitar, banjo, vocals); Neil Hopper (double bass, sousaphone); Giles Holt (drums)
(Review by Russell)
The grand opening of Mitch Mitchell's relocated Prohibition Bar from the railway arches on the Gateshead side of the river to nos. 25-27 Pink Lane, Newcastle attracted so much interest that a second late show was announced and, in a trice, it sold out just as the first performance had done.
The Jazz Cafe is no more, although its redesign and rebranding as the Prohibition Bar recalls the days of Keith Crombie's curtained speakeasy...minus the homely clutter. Frontwoman Bobbi Charleston was in her element surveying all that lay, sat and danced before her. To her left, the horns, to her right, the rhythm section boys with 'new boy' Marcus Tham rattling the upright piano jammed up against a wall.
A dedicated troupe of swing dancers follow House of the Black Gardenia - Billy Bootleggers, Hoochie Coochie, Jazz Co-op, Prohibition Bar Mk 1- wherever they play and this one had a real sense of occasion. Ellington (The Mooche) to Basie's Evenin' (Michael Littlefield's assured vocals) to 20's dive bar favourites Blue Drag and Viper Mad, House of the Black Gardenia had 'em eating out of the palm of their collective hand. The dancers, the seated and the standing - it was standing room only! - loved every minute of the first evening at Newcastle's new favourite venue.
Russell
No comments :
Post a Comment