Easter Parade - what else? - for starters. Nobody's Sweetheart Now -
frontman Herbie Hudson singing, a typical Monday at Cullercoats Crescent Club's
long-running, weekly Jazz in the Afternoon session. Well, it was a regulation
start alright, but, on this glorious afternoon on the Costa del Culler, we
were soon to be in the presence of several superstars - on and off the stand.
Our first superstar, Cullercoats' number one songstress Teresa
Armstrong, not only sang beautifully - Almost Like Being in Love, Once
in a While, After You've Gone - she arrived with a
soon-to-be star of the silver screen.
The Old Potting Shed's Cheeky
Beaky was but one of four tempting hand pulls on the bar - a tip-top choice!
The house band did what it usually does in letting drummer Ollie Rillands off
the leash to rattle through a quick-fire rock 'n' roll medley. Every time, it
never fails, Ollie had 'em up dancing. Doris Fenn, everyone's favourite banjo
player, brought along daughter Anne Shackleton to sing Dream a Little
Dream of Me. Doris playing ukulele, Anne singing splendidly, this an early
highlight of what would turn out to be an afternoon of highlights.
Messrs John Broddle and Miles Watson got up to do their thing; John
singing a selection with his usual panache, including I'll See You in
My Dreams and Stardust; trumpeter Miles blowing well
and singing a couple into the bargain. Stew Rickard leaped into action, Hohner
squeeze box in hand, singing, with audience participation, There's a
Bug Goin' Round before standing toe to toe in a harp attack duet/duel
with the fearless Herbie Hudson.
It was an afternoon of star performers on and off the stand - Teresa,
Stew et al on the stand and, visiting her aunt (Teresa) on an off duty
afternoon, Debbie Honeywood. You'll soon be hearing much more about Debbie.
Chosen from a long list of hopefuls, Debbie recently landed the lead role in
Ken Loach's forthcoming film Sorry We
Missed You. Next month down to earth Debbie will be walking on the red
carpet at the Cannes Film Festival as she attends the film's premiere! Later in
the year Debbie (and Teresa!) will be at the British premiere in Newcastle. It
had been a memorable afternoon on the coast.
Russell
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