Swing Manouche play Django Reinhardt @ Central Bar, Gateshead - Feb. 4

Jim McBriarty (clarinet); Mick Shoulder (guitar); Dave Smith (guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass)

We were in a cellar bar just off the Seine, smoke from Gauloises hanging heavily in the air. The big attraction? Django Reinhardt. Sold out a couple of weeks ago, the best option was to arrive early to secure one of a handful of on-the-door tickets. Non! Non! We were, of course, in Le Gatesheed (that's 'heed'!). Central Bar's monthly Sunday afternoon jazz session is on a roll with one sold out concert after another. The spirit of Django was most definitely in the air. Djangologists Swing Manouche chose to commemorate Django, whose birth date is 23rd January, by taking a look at the activities of the legendary guitarist during the late 1930s/early '40s, the wartime years without the London-exiled Stéphane Grappelli.

Jim McBriarty (as Hubert Rostaing) took his seat alongside Mick Shoulder (Django) and rhythm king Dave Smith (Joseph Reindhardt/Roger Chaput), to the rear, Paul Grainger (Louis Vola). A full house made for a crackling atmosphere as Swing Manouche opened the show with Bei Mir Bist du Schoen. McBriarty, depping for a dep, settling in nicely (clarinet solo on All of Me). Dinette, Douce Ambiance, Dance Norvegienne, familiar numbers, Shoulder placing them in context, recording session, date etc. 

Djangology, Anniversary Song, Django's celebrated Nuages, Troublant Bolero (Smith's immaculate rhythm guitar playing), The capacity audience applauded loud and long. To close an excellent Central Bar Jazz Club session Mick Shoulder, Dave Smith, Paul Grainger and special guest Jim McBriarty went out on Dark Eyes. Django lives! Russell