Michael Young Trio @ the Engine Room, Sunderland - July 3

Michael Young (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Abbie Finn (drums)

Unfortunately, because of transport problems - maybe I'll move to Rwanda where their public transport system is probably more reliable - I missed the opening number which, I'm told, was Summertime so maybe Nexus did me, at least for the moment, a favour for which,  they got their revenge later (don't ask!).

Young is a welcome addition to the north east jazz scene. Where has he been hiding? Sunderland jazz needs someone like him (and more) as much as their local football team needs a striker who doesn't get injured every other game.

With Grainger and Mrs Keeble he has found the ideal team and they gel.

The most encouraging thing about tonight was that, even after the diners had challenged their bowels with, say, 8oz Ribeye Steak (WF) £22 Peppercorn Sauce, Green Beans and Home Cooked Chips, many of them stayed on to listen and enjoy. Personally, next time round I may fork out on that Ribeye Steak. I'm a sucker for ribeye steaks. 

However, as the 'lecky', the road tax and the other vultures are closing in on me, maybe I'll ask for an estimate on a bag of crisps first.

Back to the music, this is, perhaps as close as we'll ever get to what we dreamers dreamed of. The Cherry Tree in Jesmond came as close as any venue did to create the perfect jazz/dining setting. It was the most magnificent, glorious and ambitious attempt to bring jazz and cordon-blue cooking together that the north east had ever known. Despite showcasing all the region's top players and many from further afield it eventually threw in the towel.

So will the Engine Room succeed? Time will tell. Lance

Summertime: So What?; God Bless the Child; For Once in my Life; Nefertiti;  Dolphin Dance; Caravan; The Look of Love; Moments  Notice; Rosalinda's Eyes; Bemsha Swing; Infant Eyes; I'm Getting Sentimental Over You; Amanda's Rumba;  Saturday Night in the Cosmos