Olive Rudd (vocals); Tommy Moran (tenor sax); Jim McBriarty (alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet, vocals); Neville Hartley (trombone); Bill Brittain (piano); Alan Rudd (double bass); Tommy Graham (drums)
(Review by Russell)
Third Friday in the month is Classic Swing time. Conveniently located next to West Jesmond Metro Station this is just about as near to a Newcastle city centre residency as you'll find. Tommy Moran's aptly titled Classic Swing opened today's show at West Jesmond British Legion.
Band vocalist Olive Rudd leapt to her feet to sing Give Me the Simple Life (more Olive Rudd than Tony Bennett) and hung around to tell us she Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine (that's Mr A Rudd) with Tommy Moran laying down a fine tenor sax solo. Sweet Sue sang Jim McBriarty (just the one verse) in between juggling alto and soprano saxes and clarinet and in singing Sent for You Yesterday wisely didn't attempt to mimic Jimmy Rushing.
The band's second set began, like the first, with a Tommy Moran number. Small group, Kansas City style jazz seems to be one of TM's inspirations and it suits the band with drummer Tommy Graham only too happy to kick it along. If you're looking for a classy solo then look no further than Neville Hartley. Trombonist NH came up with the goods once more on Pennies from Heaven.
The afternoon was drawing to a close but not before Tommy Graham got the hi-hat going (and kept it going!) as the Classic Swing Caravan left town with McBriarty weaving a sinuous soprano sax through the West Jesmond souk. The Classic Swing camel train returns to West Jesmond Avenue on Friday 20 March. Russell
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