Ben Phillips (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Mark Robertson (drums) + Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Paul Ruddick (alto sax); Shivan Ruddick (trumpet); Joe Steels (guitar); Luis Verde (alto sax); Abbie Finn (drums); Jacob Egglestone (guitar); Steve Summers (tenor sax); Kate O'Niell (vocals); Bailey Rudd (drums); John Rowland (tenor sax); Liam Oliver (guitar); Fionnula Bradbury (vocals); Lizzie ? (guitar); Becky Tuck (vocals); Remy Coulthard Boardman (vocals); Josh Weir (drums); Jane ? (trumpet, vocals); Vlada ? (alto sax); Ian Drever (vocals); Johannes Dalhuijsen (bass clarinet); Jamie Watkins (bass guitar); Nick Gould (tenor sax); David Gray (trombone); Esther Coombes (alto sax, clarinet)
The recent trend of audiences arriving earlier and earlier continued. Doors at seven o'clock with a seven thirty downbeat was the usual routine. Not anymore, the early birds are getting themselves down to the Black Swan way before seven. Shortly after seven most seats were occupied. The horns turned out in force, three guitarists, vocalists galore and more, may more.
Black Orpheus to start, Ben Philips, MC Paul Grainger and Mark Robertson setting the standard. In quick succession the big-hitting horns were up and at it, not locking horns, simply blowing and enjoying the occasion. Harry Keeble excellent, the Ruddicks - father and son, Paul and Shivan (young Shivan impressing once again, On Green Dolphin Street an early highlight). Guitarist Joe Steels impressed, when doesn't he? And then there was Luis Verde. Alto saxophonist Luis is some player, calling Round Midnight, accompanied by ace drummer Abbie Finn, the room fell silent, Luis the focus of attention. Magnificent alto sax, if you're yet to hear the Newcastle resident Spaniard, do yourself favour by getting along to the first of several forthcoming concerts featuring Luis*
John Rowland and Steve Summers, tenor sax both, always good value at a jam session, blossoming graduate guitarist Jacob Egglestone soloing at length, joined by fellow graduate, drummer Bailey Rudd, offering sympathetic support to Teesside singer Kate O'Niell, the merry go round was picking up speed. Fionnula Bradbury put in an appearance for the first time in a while singing You'd be so Nice to Come Home to - don't leave it so long next time, Fionnula.
Becky Tuck was in the house, there to sing I Didn't Know What Time it Was, be sure to catch Becky around town. Nick Gould, down from Edinburgh for the day, blew assured tenor, sharing the stage with a bunch of up-and-coming names, and, as an old hand, keeping them straight (On the Sunny Side of the Street), offering no little encouragement (it's one of the joys of a jam session, the seasoned pro working alongside promising talents).
They were massing in the wings as MC P. Grainger set about assembling a half hour, eyeballs-out, finale. Caravan, A Train and a ten-strong frontline horn section (aka the Esther Coombes Experience) taking it out on Mr PC. It had been another canny night on Westgate Road. We reconvene on Tuesday 5 March, don't be late!
* The dates for your diary...Luis Verde at the Globe, Newcastle (March 17) and Queen's Hall, Hexham (March 24, afternoon). Russell
No comments :
Post a Comment