Jam packed @ The Black Swan - Oct. 18

Best intentions...detailed note taking, name that tune, detective work (What's your name?*), a return trip to the bar (supporting the jazz economy). The Black Swan's fortnightly (Tuesdays) jam session in the basement of Newcastle Arts Centre is such that you dare not miss it, you never know who might turn up. As this evening's session got underway the room was rather quiet. The house trio - Messrs Stu Collingwood, Paul Grainger and, direct from the Royal Albert Hall and a VIP trip to Ronnie Scott's, Michael Mather - set the standard before the first of what would turn out to be countless sitters-in took to the floor. 

A rarity, not one but several bass players were in the house (Mr PG couldn't believe his luck!). The first of them, a fresh-faced 'fresher', possibly a sixth former, performed with no little confidence - Red Clay, Little Sunflower and more -. Jamie, the name, he'll be back. From here on in it all got a tad dizzying...newbie Martha singing Georgia, seasoned GAYP jam sessioner Ian Drever belting out A Foggy Day as the heavy artillery arrived. The first of them, Lawrence Harrison (brother Charles waiting his turn) scaling How High the Moon? Wow, this guy can play guitar (pictured with John Pope)! Kris Finney depped Michael 'VIP' Mather, working alongside another newbie bassist, Hal Lockwood on Out of Nowhere (out of nowhere Ray Burns joined the party). 

Another of the big guns took aim on an uptempo Autumn Leaves. When Harry Keeble is in the house you're gonna hear some top drawer tenor playing. Bulls eye! The battalions had us surrounded - Stu on piano, JP on bass, the other Harrison, Charles (like Lawrence, a tremendous guitarist), Abbie Finn spelling Finney and VIP Mather, Edgar (that's Mr Edgar Bell) muscling in on trumpet (Walls of Jericho and all that). Not sure who called it, probably Harry, fasten your seat belts, Wayne Shorter's Yes or No. If there's a tree, a pecking order, let's be honest, there is, Harry Keeble is right up there.

Newbie Libby sang It's Almost Like Being in Love, later to be accompanied by Nigel Greenwood (alto sax) on Summertime. Who's the drummer? Can't quite see. It's Mark (a newbie?), then Will Pease, mustn't forget Bailey Rudd. Bassists and drummers galore, what's going on?! And then there was Haaruun Miller and Showtime (how can anyone forget DG?). And then there was Ms Bradbury. Fionnula Bradbury sang Feeling Good. What a star! Look at the time, ten minutes 'til closing. Big Chief PG assembled the troops. A dozen or so fell in, Attention! Take the A Train. Next stop Homesville. Yes, the Black Swan jam session is the one you can't afford to miss. Next one, Tuesday 1st November. 

Stu Collingwood (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Michael 'VIP' Mather (drums) + in somewhat chaotic order - Jamie (bass guitar); Martha (vocals); Ian Drever (vocals); Lawrence Harrison (guitar); Kris Finney (drums); Abbie Finn (drums); Edgar Bell (trumpet); Charles Harrison (guitar); Libby (vocals); Nigel Greenwood (alto sax); Mark (drums); Will Pease (drums); Bailey Rudd (drums); Haaruun Miller (tenor sax); David Gray (trombone); Fionnula Bradbury (vocals); possibly others...            

 

* A while ago your correspondent button-holed a first time jam session participant: Excuse me, what's your name? A rather startled young man replied: Why, what have I done? 
Russell