The management of the Block and Tackle, Ashington, wish to confirm that the monthly jazz night featuring the River City Jazzmen is definitely continuing on the third Tuesday of the month.
Please note that this has no connection with the now defunct Ashington Jazz Club, the previous organisers of the event.
The next session is on Tuesday August 20 and includes as guest players Australian reed man, Don Armstrong and Brian Chester on keyboards. Starting time is 8.30pm and entrance fee is £4.00, with the option of buying raffle tickets.
We look forward to keeping the jazz flag flying in the area, and will be pleased to welcome all followers of jazz.
Gordon Solomon.
1 comment :
many years since I visited Ashington, so last Tuesday I tootled off to the new home of jazz at the Block & Tackle pub, picking up my friend Don Armstrong on the way. Originally from Whitley Bay ( living a few doors down my street ) Don made a name for himself as a great reedman in the North East across the spectrum of genres before he travelled via Africa to Adelaide. In recent years Don and Lisa have returned for extended holidays, being welcomed with open arms by musicians for the quality of his playing on a variety of instruments.
The usual band welcomed Don and also Brian Chester, depping for Jim McBriarty and Keith Stephen. Regular members include Gordon Solomon - tb, Bob Wade - cornet & flugel, Phil Rutherford - sousa and Tommy Graham - dms. A first class lineup of experience musicians who demonstrated their abilty to listen to each other.
The repertoire may have been slightly different from normal, with Don on his 'mini ' sopranino sax ("takes up less on the plane"!), alto, very fluid clarinet and some short bits of aluminium piping with holes in ( Swinging Shepherd Blues ). Apart from the usual pot-boilers which most audiences recognise, the band included a few Swing numbers including Swinging The Blues. Solos abounded, including the singing Sousa of Mr Rutherford.
An excellent night in a good venue, which has the advantage of good parking and also being on the ground floor. I remember climbing the stairs at the Elephant! No joke for bass player or drummer!
Third Tuesday in the month. 8.30 start. Recommended.
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