Dean Stockdale (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Matt MacKellar (drums) + Ray Johnson (trumpet/flugelhorn); Jordan Alfonso (tenor sax); Charles Harrison, Laurence Harrison (guitars); Jan Spencelayh, Mel Grundy (vocals).
(Review/photos by Lance).
For some time now the fortnightly jam sessions at the Black Swan have been unchallenged in terms of quality with the Dun Cow in Jesmond running a distant second. However, since opting to go monthly things at the latter venue have picked up and, on the strength of last night, jazzwise it could be said to have held its own.
Both sessions are organised by Paul Grainger and most of the same musicians are involved but, as is often the case there are always the unexpected visitors eager to display their talents (or lack of).
The latest new arrivals came in the form of the brothers Harrison, both guitarists, who made their mark in no uncertain terms. Charles Harrison, a South Shields guitar teacher, last showed at the Jazz Café back in the Pete Gilligan era (May 17, 2016) whilst bro Laurance has been plying his trade in London. Charles played the jammers' favourite, the tune the aforementioned Gilligan would refer to as Stella by Artois. and Someday My Prince Will Come.
Laurance had a blast on Solar and maybe something else - I was so knocked out by the notes I didn't take notes - before teaming up with a couple of the other big hitters - Ray Johnson and Jordan Alfonso for I Got Rhythm. Ray had played trumpet on There's a Small Hotel and Alfie's Theme but switched to flugel for this one whilst Jordan had left his alto at home to blow some gutsy tenor on Black Coffee and Girl From Ipanema, two numbers more associated with vocalists.
Speaking of vocalists, Mel confessed she'd been ill (she missed her last gig at the Globe) and was using this as a fitness test - she passed! You'd be so Nice to Come Home To and I Didn't Know What Time it Was were the chosen arias.
Jan sounded really good on Teach me Tonight and Orange Colored Sky then, on the grand finale with all the cats joining in, My Baby Just Cares For Me, updating the lyrics to include Beyoncé and Julia Roberts for those of us too young to remember Liz Taylor and Lana Turner.
Special mention for the unsung heroes of the evening - the house trio who'd got the ball rolling with My Romance and The Nearness of You. The Hoagy tune featured Matt on an extended drum solo - not quite what you expect on a romantic ballad but, hey ho, that's jazz - the sound of surprise! Throughout they covered whatever was thrown at them and did it just perfectly - maybe more so!
Another malfunctioning Metro system (both coming and going) did nothing to detract from a most enjoyable evening.
Lance.
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