The Black Swan jam session - March 5

It's a seven thirty start, roll up five minutes before the down beat and take your seat. Not any more! That was then, this is now! Since before the turn of the year some punters have been turning up earlier and earlier. This evening, fully three quarters of an hour before the advertised start, seats were being occupied at a rate of knots. At a little after seven o'clock seats were at a premium. What's going on?! 

Whatever is going on, it's a remarkably positive story. At the appointed time (7:30pm) the house trio - Joe Steels, Paul Grainger and off-the-bench sub Abbie Finn - got things underway. The packed house soon became a tad noisy, so much so MC Paul Grainger requested conversation be kept to a low(er) level rather than the near-bellowing emanating from some quarters. Alice Grace was in the house - hooray! Bye Bye Blackbird sang Alice. Too marvellous for words...

Tenor saxophonist Harry Keeble joined the fray, as did alto saxophonist Luis Verde. Absolutely top class playing from HK and LV, it was a privilege to hear them play. It had all the makings of a terrific night. It wasn't long before the Ruddicks were up and at it. Of late, young trumpeter Shivan Ruddick has been getting along to the Black Swan. In no time at all, it's plain to see - and hear - Shivan is developing in leaps and bounds. Paul Ruddick blew his usual Baghdaddian alto sax, again, terrific.

The Newcastle University posse circled the floor. First onto the stand, drummer Bailey Rudd, then guitarist Jacob Egglestone. Josh Weir would figure later. Bailey and Jacob shining on Four and Nature Boy. John Rowland blew old school tenor, Conor Emery blew some excellent, straight-down-the-middle trombone. 

Black Swan debutant vocalists included Cara (Blue Moon) and Jenny (You Turned the Tables on Me), Jess played some piano, all in a night's entertainment! Accompanied by the Newcastle Uni boys, Teessider Kate O'Niell sang Lullaby of Birdland, guitarist Jacob excelling. David Gray popped up, first on trumpet, later playing his main instrument, trombone. As the evening unfolded we heard from Edgar Bell (muted trumpet), Ian Drever foghorning A Foggy Day, Hannah singing Blue Skies. And then there was Becky Tuck, Liam Oliver, possibly others, it was a busy old night!

The Newcastle Uni boys were holding their own - the impressive Olly Styles (tenor sax), the assured Conor Emery and student friend Joe behind the traps. Trumpeter James Palmer, all the way from Somerset (on Tyneside for business reasons), enjoyed himself, the sitters-in gathering. Josh Weir, Freddie Richards, drummers both, Esther Coombes (reeds), so many of them, MC Grainger dubbing the massed finale Horns-a-Plenty. And central to it, one Niffi Osiyemi, vocalist extraordinaire (Darktown Strutters' Ball). 

The next Black Swan jam session is scheduled for Tuesday 19 March (house trio, Michael Young, Paul Grainger and Tim Johnston). It's a seven thirty start, arrive early or be prepared to stand all night! Russell

Joe Steels (guitar); Paul Grainger  (double bass); Abbie Finn (drums) + Alice Grace (vocals); Jess ? (piano); Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Luis Verde (alto sax); Bailey Rudd (drums); Shivan Ruddick (trumpet); Paul Ruddick (alto sax); Cara ? (vocals); Edgar Bell (trumpet); Jacob Egglestone (guitar); Conor Emery (trombone); John Rowland (tenor sax); Josh Weir (drums); David Gray (trumpet, trombone); Jenny ? (vocals); Kate O'Niell (vocals); Liam Oliver (guitar); Ian Drever (vocals); Hannah (vocals); Olly Styles (tenor sax); Joe ? (drums); James Palmer (trumpet); Dominic ? (trombone); Becky Tuck (vocals); Esther Coombes (alto sax, clarinet); Freddie Richards (drums); Niffi Osiyemi (vocals)