(Preview by Russell.)
Blaydon Jazz Club is fast approaching its thirty-fifth anniversary year. Jazz clubs come and go, Blaydon Jazz Club just keeps on going. Fads, fashions, they come and go, what doesn't change is quality jazz and that is what has always been on offer in Blaydon on Tyne. Tomorrow - Sunday 17 - at the Black Bull pub on Bridge Street there is a fundraising triple bill concert to help ease Roly Veitch's dream-come-true into its next thirty-five years.
1984, jazz at the Black Bull, Blaydon...2019, jazz at the Black Bull, Blaydon. Between times the club migrated, setting up home at one or two other nearby venues, they were good times but recently Blaydon Jazz Club returned to its spiritual home. Tomorrow there is a major fundraising drive designed to raise sufficient funds to help secure the club's short to medium term future.
Club supremo Roly Veitch knows everyone worth knowing on the scene and some of them readily agreed to lend a helping hand. Tomorrow they'll be at the Black Bull performing to an anticipated full house. The triple bill features one of the great trumpeters - locally or nationally - from Teesside, Noel Dennis. A lyrical soloist with free-flowing ideas, Dennis will be working with other Blaydon regulars - Paul Edis, piano, Andy Champion, bass and drummer Russ Morgan.
Alice Grace emerged on the Tyneside jazz scene having decided to make Newcastle her home following a lengthy stint working abroad. A Guildhall graduate, NYJO alumnus, gigs at Ronnie Scott's, Ms Grace has the pedigree, no question about it. Small group or big band (Strictly Smokin' Big Band) the popular vocalist is a welcome asset to the local scene. At the Black Bull Ms Grace will be accompanied by Honourary Geordie Mark Williams, guitar, Paul Grainger, bass and drummer Russ Morgan, himself originally from 'down south' with a similarly impressive cv.
Some of the stars of tomorrow will be on hand to show what they can do. The Early Bird Band is a young work-shopping ensemble which has developed into a concert performance (club and festival) band. Tutored by Paul Edis it has been a pleasure to observe the development of these talented teenage musicians. Tomorrow at Blaydon Jazz Club is your opportunity to gauge their progress. Highly recommended.
The fundraising concert begins at seven o'clock. It will take the form of three sets and, if time permits, a jam session to round off the evening. Admission on the door is £10, there will be a bumper raffle and, what's more, a limited edition reissue CD - The Billy Harper/Roly Veitch Quartet Stairway to the Stars recorded live at Blaydon Jazz Club, 2004 - will be available to purchase on the night at £10.
Do make the effort to get along and don't get caught out, it's a 7:00pm start. Buses from/to Newcastle (12/12A Eldon Sq) are frequent, as are services from/to Gateshead Interchange. Parking is available adjacent to the Black Bull (Sat Nav postcode NE21 4JJ). It has all the makings of a memorable night.
Take a look at the club's website and read about its impressive history. Tomorrow (Sunday, March 17) you can become part of it. blaydonjazzclub.co.uk
Russell
No comments :
Post a Comment