Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Rob Walker (drums) + Joel Shaw, Archie Williamson (drums); David 'Showtime' Gray (trombone); Ray Burns (harmonica/vocals); Niffi Osiyemi (vocals).
(Review/PHOTOS by Lance)
For a while, it looked as if the audience would number two, apart from a couple of girls playing Monopoly (whatever became of darts and dominos?) which, nevertheless, didn't deter the house trio who drifted through It Could Happen to You; Nature Boy; an unidentified blues; I Fall in Love Too Easily and Beautiful Love. All done very tastefully.
John Taylor of Ashington also drifted in and out missing all of the action which took place in the second set.
Audience numbers multiplied with the arrival of a contingent from Newcastle Uni Jazz Orchestra none of whom had brought their instruments with them although drummer Williamson did sit in later on.
Another drummer, Joel Shaw, a former oppo of Paul Grainger and George Sykes (now in China), spelled Rob Walker for Moanin' and several more numbers including a lengthy version of Misty that had Ray Burns singing and playing harmonica along with bass and piano solos.
David Gray's casual attire contrasted with Burns' formal apparel. Brandishing a Bb & F 'bone he demolished Green Dolphin Street - the larger bored instrument giving a fuller sound although perhaps not with quite the same agility that he displays on tenor trombone. Joel Shaw soloed on the next number before a scintillating Doxy by which time, Showtime had tamed the beast and was sliding effortlessly through the changes.
Archie W was now on drums and Niffi had the mic. Orange Colored Sky - Flash, Bang, Alakazam - this was it! Sweet Georgia Brown - the Harlem Globetrotters meet Niffi Osiyemi!
The wonderful thing about jam sessions are the unexpected permutations they throw up such as a harmonica & trombone front line playing what may have been Bye Bye Blackbird before Niff returned for Mercy, Mercy, Mercy. A fine finale.
Back again on April 3.
Lance.
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