Three pianos and a flute: Jeff Barnhart @ the Lit & Phil - Sept. 15

(© Patti D)

Jeff Barnhart (piano, vocals) + Neville Dickie, Merlin Roxby (piano); Anne Barnhart (flute, vocal)

I can't recall being in a room that was so full of love for the performers. Not least because of the surprises that were unleashed.

Even Russell was lost for words and that was before it all stomped off. Obviously he had inside information as to the treat we had lying in store.

We soon forgot about the weather outside!

The Lit and Phil crowd were out in force as befitted the appearance of America's foremost classic jazz pianist, Jeff Barnhart.

(© Lance)

However, before he set the room on fire, the flame was kindled by young Merlin Roxby with a pre-concert set of ragtime and stride classics that drew applause from the great man himself. 

Barnhart's set was based around the music of Fats Waller and Jeff delivered authentic takes, both vocally and pianistically, on compositions by 'Harlem's harmful little armful'. Add to this the anecdotal stories behind each song and this was everything we expected and more. Oh yes there was more, much more in this elongated hour.

(© Patti D)

Sitting down front was another piano legend, Durham born Neville Dickie who also went on to achieve worldwide recognition in this particular idiom. Barnhart invited him on stage and he played an amazing stride version of Golden Earrings followed by a two piano duet with Jeff on Wild Cat Blues. This was as good as it gets - or was it?

Enter Mrs Barnhart. Anne joined her hubby on flute for Ain't Misbehavin'. The facial interplay was something else as was the lady's fluting and flirting. Anne stayed aboard to sing If it Ain't Love before Jeff took us out on that famous rent party opus The Joint is Jumpin'. I  half expected Northumbria Police to smash down the door but, as it was raining ...

There was a feeling of breathlessness at the end. Not just from a nostalgic point of view but because jazz of whatever era, like the music of  Bach, Beethoven etc. is timeless. This wasn't a concert, it wasn't a show - it was both!

I'm sure next year's return concert will also be sold out and Russell will be saying, "I'm sorry Mr Capone, but you should have booked in advance. Well alright but you can't take your violin case in with you". Lance (Phone camera gave up and I missed getting a photo of Anne. It any one can help, please do - she's lovely.)

Handful of Keys; Keepin' Out of Mischief Now; Blue Turning Grey Over You; Please Tell me Why; Jitterbug Waltz; Ain't Misbehavin'; If it Ain't Love; The Joint is Jumpin'; Wild Cat Blues (with Neville Dickie); Golden Earrings (Neville Dickie).