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| (Photo by Roly ) |
In the face of the ongoing pandemic Blaydon Jazz Club continues to present the best in jazz. It's been a difficult time for all and trying to reconnect with a loyal audience isn't the easiest thing to achieve. It's evident some have chosen to stay home, to 'wait out' the worst of it. Most weeks there isn't an awful lot happening on a Monday evening, therefore it made sense to take advantage of the situation, hence jazz at the Black Bull presents the opportunity for one and all to get along once a month, third Monday in the month to be precise. This evening the prospect of listening to the Dean Stockdale Trio enticed some of the club's regulars to switch off the television and head to Bridge Street.
Dean Stockdale is one of the region's busiest pianists and it's always a treat to hear him play. Joining him on this engagement, the fine bassist Andy Champion and the equally fine drummer John Bradford. Our trio would play a choice selection of GASbook numbers alongside one or two Stockdale originals. The Hustler opened the first of two sets, musicians of the calibre of Champion and Bradford, irregular Stockdale sidemen, enabled them to slot straight in - it's one of the wonders of jazz! From here on in, Jimmy Van Heusen and Oscar Peterson would feature prominently, and there would be room for something by Mingus and Rodgers and Hart.
It Could Happen to You and Darn That Dream were ideal numbers for the Black Bull - bona fide GASbook material, sensitively played by the trio. Stockdale is a big fan of Oscar Peterson - who isn't?! - so we got to hear Kelly's Blues (named after one of OP's wives) and Hymn to Freedom (the evening's elegant set-closer). Bassist AC has got a great sound, when hasn't he? Allied to imperious technique, it's little wonder the Tyneside based musician has a national reputation. In recent times drummer JB's profile has risen considerably, go to a gig and he's likely to be on it! A listening, responsive musician, JB is a safe pair of hands.
Ellington's In a Sentimental Mood, given a Latin, bossa-like treatment worked well, Nostalgia in Times Square (Stockdale included the Mingus number on his Origin album) was as much typical Stockdale as the composer, and Mia's Lullaby written by tonight's guest, Dean Stockdale, offered variety throughout an evening of straight ahead, swinging jazz.
Next month, the date for your diary is Monday 20 December. The musicians TBC, watch this space - Russell
Set list: The Hustler; On the Sunny Side of the Street; Mia's Lullaby; It Could Happen to You; In a Sentimental Mood; Nostalgia in Times Square; Kelly's Blues; Darn That Dream; First Light; Have You Met Miss Jones?; Hymn to Freedom.
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