Jim McBriarty (clarinet, sop sax, vocals); Lawrence McBriarty (trombone, vocals); Brian Bennett (banjo, guitar); Bill Colledge (bass guitar); Fred Thompson (drums, vocals) + John Broddle (vocals)
Traditional and Dixieland said Brian Bennett. Yes, this would be the Vieux Carré Jazzmen's usual Thursday afternoon set of accessible, good time jazz. And so it was, with a few new, or rarely played, numbers thrown in for good measure. The Holystone residency is now very much back indoors with social distancing in place. A pint of London Pride and a jacket potato ordered, the VCJ opened with Fred Thompson singing Float Me Down the River to New Orleans.
The VCJ five piece band doesn't trade on a star front man but invariably Jim McBriarty steps up with some tasty clarinet and soprano sax work augmented by his 'boy band' singer vocals. A couple of instances included the novelty number I Like Bananas Because They Have No Bones and Jelly Roll Morton's Sweet Substitute. Fred Thompson sang his fair share including It Happened in Monterey (recorded by many artists ranging from Paul Whiteman to Frank Sinatra).
We know what to expect at a VCJ gig - McBriarty and Thompson will sing a dozen or so numbers between them. What we didn't know was that the other McBriarty, Mr Lawrence McBriarty, fancied singing a number! Dallas Blues sung in a steady tenor voice came as a real surprise. The applause said it all...More! Band leader Bennett thought it a good idea to let Lawrence sing another one. Our new found vocal star suggested Under the Bamboo Tree quickly adding: If I can remember the words. Remember them he did, we should hear more from the veteran trombonist...as a singer!
And a word about the VCJ's frequent guest, Mr John Broddle. As ever, three or four numbers with Out of Nowhere a highlight. The session wound up with a spirited take on Muskrat Ramble. More next week, same place (The Holystone, Whitley Road, North Tyneside), same time (1:00pm).
Russell
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