Maureen Hall (vocals); Gavin Lee (soprano sax); Gordon Solomon (trombone); Brian Chester (keyboards); Tom Derbyshire (double bass, vocals); Bob Stephenson (drums) + John Broddle (vocals)
I Found a New Baby opened this afternoon's weekly session at the Monkseaton Arms. Maureen Hall's Rendezvous Jazz comprises two of the very best frontline horn players on the scene - Gavin Lee playing soprano sax and trombonist Gordon Solomon - working alongside the piano, bass and drums boys, pianist Brian Chester, bassist Tom Derbyshire and depping drummer Bob Stephenson.
Vocal duties were shared by bandleader Hall (pulling rank, taking the lion's share!) and bassist Derbyshire. Hall sang a varied selection including Makin' Whoopee and the set-closing Dr Jazz. Derbyshire told us all about Sweet Lorraine, later accepting an invitation to the Darktown Strutters' Ball. Sitting to Hall's left, and given half a chance, Lee played bold as brass soprano sax. To her right, sat Solomon. Knowing the repertoire inside out, our 'bone man didn't put a foot/slide wrong all afternoon.
Today's second set opened with Undecided, and, mid-set, by a distance, the tune of the afternoon came in the shape of Clarence Williams' Texas Moaner Blues. The Monkseaton Arms' session wouldn't be the same without a couple of vocal contributions from John Broddle. First set, our laconic singer sang Indiana supported by Lee and Solomon, second set, Honeysuckle Rose. Maureen Hall's Rendezvous Jazz will be back at the Monkseaton Arms next week (Friday 7 July) and, as a bonus, catch the band on the Jazz Stage at this year's Mouth of the Tyne Festival on Sunday 9 July. Russell
No comments :
Post a Comment