 |
| (Photo by Russell) |
It seems like it was last year that we last heard the Vieux Carre Jazzmen. Come to think of it, it was last year! The pandemic decimated the local gig scene and it's only now that we're starting the long road back to gigs, gigs and more gigs. Who would be in the VCJ? Who would be in the audience? In the grip of an Arctic blast, would some cry off? Since we were last in the Holystone's pub beer garden they've been doing a spot of DIY. A plastic corrugated roof above table and chairs leaked buckets, consequently said tables and chairs were sopping wet. That didn't deter the hardy faithful, given the weather you could call 'em troopers. The VCJ opened up with Way Down Yonder in New Orleans...if only!
The VCJ turned up, one change in the line-up, Paul Grainger in for bassist Bill Colledge, otherwise it was the regular faces. As ever, Mr Brian Bennett led Tyneside's long-established Dixieland band. Jim McBriarty and Fred Thompson handled the vocal numbers, McBriarty J, reeds, and brother Lawrence, trombone, soloed either side, literally and metaphorically, of an inform Ray Harley. After a long lay-off trumpeter Harley blew strong lead, nailing his solos time after time.
Fred Thompson sang Buddy Bolden's Blues, McBriarty J, Linger Awhile and more, including the set closing The Alcoholic Blues...hic! It had been a cold, no, make that a freezing afternoon, but, it had been worthwhile making the effort. Live jazz is back!
Russell
Set list: Way Down Yonder in New Orleans; Washington and Lee Swing; Linger Awhile; Bye, Bye Blues; Buddy Bolden's Blues; Mama's Gone, Goodbye; Chinatown, My Chinatown; Bogalusa Strut; I Believe in Miracles; You're the One I Care For; I Wish't Was in Peoria; The Alcoholic Blues.
No comments :
Post a Comment