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| (Pics by Russell/collage by Lance) |
After Zoe Rahman I needed sustenance and a chance to reflect upon her stunning performance. A pork pie and a pint in the nearby Split Chimp geared me up for the jam session at the Newcastle Arts Centre.
Earlier, the Abbie Finn Trio had played a set that has been reviewed by Russell and I looked forward to what, hopefully, will be a precursor to the return of the popular Tuesday night jams scheduled to re-start on Oct. 26.
As happens every year, there are comings and goings and, invariably, surprises.
Students graduate and go one to be 'something in the city' - maybe even Prime Minister although, as of yet, on this side of the Atlantic we've had no Bill Clintons - at least not musically speaking - in the top job. Fortunately, as one lot departs another arrives and we had three fresh faces from Newcastle Uni.
Foremost among these was Jacob Barker who, in the absence of a keyboard provided the harmonic foundation throughout. Thrown in at the deep end, as the saying goes, he did the biz as well as soloing effectively on tunes he wasn't always familiar with.
Harry Keeble who had earlier blitzed the room with Abbie's trio was in scintillating form. Someone, somewhere, I'm told, compared Harry to the young Tubby Hayes. His waistline has a bit to go but his playing is getting closer.
John Pope and Johnny Hunter - two of the festival's names - sat in. Pope briefly, Hunter for most of the set.
Graham Easthope, a veteran of the pre-pandemic jams, turned up and, after a shaky start on A Night in Tunisia, soon got into his stride and played some good stuff.
Ferg Kilsby may have been the youngest on stage but all that goes out the window when he plays. We've watched with interest his ever increasing prowess and this afternoon may be the best yet and, trust me, there will be more - much more to come.
Thomas Egglestone was thrown in at the deep end and didn't drown. When the word gets around that there is another trombonist on the scene his phone will never stop ringing!
Bass guitarist Hayes-Clare only had one bite of the cherry but, hopefully, when the regular jams are up and running he will be in there - bassists are always at a premium. Ask Paul Grainger who, as he did today, plays bass, organises the jams, emcees and rarely gets a break!
A lovely afternoon - Lance.
All the Things You Are; A Night in Tunisia; Song For my Father; Walkin'; There Will Never be Another You; Days of Wine and Roses; Billie's Bounce; Recorder Me; Cherokee; 'Round Midnight; Donna Lee; Strasbourg/Saint-Denis.
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