Swinging at the Cotton Club @ The Fire Station, Sunderland - June 4

The Fire Station is on something of a roll. A regular programme of jazz concerts across the spectrum is clearly paying dividends. This evening 'Harry Strutter' was in town with his Hot Rhythm Orchestra performing alongside the ever-energetic Lindy Hop Dance Company. Orchestra and troupe would win a standing ovation from yet another large turn out here on High Street West. 

The Hot Rhythm Orchestra has been on the go for decades, long before some in the audience were but a twinkle in the eye. The programme familiar, the musicianship of the highest order, Lee Payne's eye-catching tap routines, the Lindy Hop guys and gals hoofing it, it all adds up to a winner. Exactly Like You, Black Beauty, Andy Woon's front-of-stage trumpet feature on Stardust, there was something for everyone. 

Dressed in an outrageous zoot suit number (making the late George Melly's wardrobe look positively sober), MC and vocalist Megs Etherington kept the show moving along. American singer Marlene Hill sang GASbook numbers (Bill Bailey, Willow Weep for Me), show/film tunes (Stormy Weather), a gospel number, alternating with the Lindy Hoppers' exhausting routines. The boys in the band got the opportunity to play - C Jam Blues, Happy Feet, Hill vocalising on Creole Love Call - and that most elegant of pianists, Martin Litton, briefly took centre stage playing Jelly Roll Morton's Grandpa's Spells. 

The Fire Station is putting bums on seats, what's more, it's all good stuff. More jazz to come? Yes, the cookin' Hammond organ James Taylor Quartet will be there on June 16 and in July (Friday 21), the region's very own Strictly Smokin' Big Band with Alice Grace will be playing Ella and Ellington. Book now at: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk. Russell        

           

Harry Strutters' Hot Rhythm Orchestra: Megs Etherington (MC, vocals); Marlene Hill (vocals); Andy Woon (trumpet); Tony Carter (alto sax, clarinet); Chris Macdonald (alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet); Paul Taylor (trombone); Martin Litton (piano); Maurice Dennis (banjo, guitar); Allan Sokell (sousaphone); Graham Collicott (drums) + Lee Payne (tap dance) & the Lindy Hop Dance Company