On a recent visit to Saltburn Arts to catch the second of Joe Webb's two 'Art of Tatum' gigs in a day, your correspondent was alerted to an exhibition of drawings by Beryl Bryden in Saltburn Arts' bar. What's that? Beryl Bryden, skiffle era washboard ace, a visual artist? It seems few, if any, of those present were aware of Bryden's accomplishments as a portrait artist.
So, how did Saltburn Arts acquire Bryden's portraits?
It's all down
to one of Saltburn Arts' regular supporters inheriting the collection - quite
how the family member came by them isn't entirely clear! - and subsequently
gifting the works to one of Saltburn Jazz Club's long serving organisers. And
here they are, on show in Saltburn! The exhibition runs for a little while yet.
If you're tempted to visit Saltburn to view the exhibition it would be
advisable to telephone ahead to confirm the opening hours - 01287 284025.
The photo of Beryl Bryden was taken at the 1982 Breda Jazz Festival by BSH Editor-in-Chief, LL. Russell
2 comments :
This exhibition should be toured. It's of historical interest as a reminder that. Ottilie notwithstanding, Beryl was arguably the best female jazz/blues singer of her era. I well remember that open air 1982 session in Breda. I think Beryl was there on spec as her name doesn't appear on the programme but she appeared with several bands and, at the time of the photo, was singing West End Blues with the Guy Lafitte Quartet (I made notes on the programme!)
This was, I think, the year when the River City Jazzmen were top band and Stan Martin clicked for the Best Instrumentalist gong.
Beryl would have been 100 in May 2020. She should have been remembered.
As a whimsical, totally irreverent (and irrelevant) thought - if Beryl had been, like all the legendary blues singers, without a nickel or a lousy dime she could have always taken in washing!
The greatest - Saltburn must be the envy of the Trad Wing of the UK jazz scene!
https://lance-bebopspokenhere.blogspot.com/2016/02/rip-tony-raine.html
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