The Central Bar Quintet @ Blaydon Jazz Club - Dec. 19

(© Roly Veitch)

Sue Ferris (alto sax, tenor sax); Giles Strong (guitar); Ben Lawrence (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

As the cold snap abated and with the World Cup done and dusted, there was little excuse for regulars and not so regulars not getting along to the Black Bull in Blaydon. Blaydon Jazz Club's Christmas party night is the stuff of legend (a table groaning under the weight of festive buffet goodies) and the jazz on offer this evening was plucked from the very top of the Christmas tree.

The Central Bar Quintet's monthly session at Central Bar on Half Moon Lane (at the Gateshead end of the High Level Bridge) is one of the hidden gems of the Tyneside jazz scene.* The format simple (a 'play through' of a classic modern jazz album, invariably from the Blue Note stable, followed by a jam session), it was time to take it on tour! Blaydon Jazz Club booked the quintet to revisit alto saxophonist John Jenkins' album John Jenkins with Kenny Burrell. Sue Ferris as Jenkins, Giles Strong in the role of Kenny Burrell, supported by an ace rhythm section, it had all the makings of a marvellous session. What's more, all seats in the Black Bull's lounge were occupied in time for an eight o'clock start. 

The musicians arrived from all parts - Tyneside, the wilds of County Durham and, from 'Way Out West', Cumbria. Two of them would be tackling the material for the first time and as the audience began to arrive the quintet was in the process of topping and tailing the charts. Opening with From This Moment On, from this moment on, this was something special. Pianist Ben Lawrence is a rapidly developing talent. You don't get the call to travel from Cumbria if you're not up to the job! Great playing by Ben alongside bassist Mick Shoulder and, MC for the evening, drummer John Bradford. The 'frontline', Sue Ferris and Giles Strong, are 'first call' musicians and it showed. Sue played stonkingly good alto sax (and tenor). Her blistering alto playing on Motif couldn't be bettered, 'commanding' is the word, a highlight, not simply of the night, but a highlight of the year. 

(© Roly Veitch)

Giles Strong could be described as 'the guitarist's guitarist', a great player, as a soloist and as a team player. The Central Bar Quintet went out on Blues for Two. Terrific! The full house enjoyed a sumptuous buffet as the entertainment continued with a choice selection of standards, including Just Squeeze Me and Sandu, the latter prompting a couple to get up and dance. And on a great night of jazz, Giles Strong's Coco in Paris received its world premiere! 

(© Patti Durham)

In some ways this Christmas party night marked the end of an era. Publicans Carl and Jackie are soon to retire. Over many years they have offered steadfast support to Blaydon Jazz Club, and, indeed, the Black Bull's many other events. Blaydon Jazz Club supremo Roly Veitch made a heartfelt speech thanking Carl and Jackie for everything they had done for jazz in Blaydon and, in presenting them with a modest gift, all present wished Carl and Jackie a long and happy retirement. 

* The next Central Bar session will be on Monday 13th February (7:30pm). The next Blaydon Jazz Club concert is scheduled for spring next year, the date to be advised. Russell