Jeff Barnhart (piano, vocals); Anne Barnhart (vocals)
Following a most successful lunchtime concert at St Augustine's Parish Centre, Jeff Barnhart wasn't about to leave town anytime soon. Two minutes' walk from the venue lies one of our American visitor's favourite pubs. The place was more than busy and the arrival of Mr B's entourage made it all the more so. A pint or three later it was time to head down to Darlington's Market Square for the second of Barnhart's eagerly anticipated two-gigs-in-a-day.
The Vault overlooks Darlington's Market Square. This weekend it's the town's 'Food & Drink Festival 2024'. Stalls offering a wide range of goodies were doing good business, meanwhile, our East Row hostelry was doing equally good business. The Vault attracts a wide clientele: drinkers, 'night out' types, party-goers (some dressed up to the nines) and, on this early Saturday evening, a battalion of jazz fans.
Jeff Barnhart playing a solo piano concert is always a treat, hearing the great man play the venue's 1912 Bechstein promised to be something special. At six o'clock sharp, Barnhart sat at the piano and began to play. It should be said, the majority of the Vault's clientele didn't anticipate a larger than life American pianist being on the premises. It has been known for the decibel count of the Vault's chattering/shouting punters to rival that of an overhead, low-flying aircraft. Mr B would have his work cut out...
The Entertainer, St Louis Blues, a stonking Maple Leaf Rag, Barnhart knew what he was doing, reading the room, pounding out classic numbers, the jazz fans whooping, the drinkers having their heads turned. They were thinking: Who's this guy?! Camera phones lit up. It's difficult applauding with phone in hand, but make no mistake, the ebullient Barnhart's performance was in danger of turning some of this lot into jazz fans!
Ain't Misbehavin', Blueberry Hill (they were singing along), Mack the Knife (ditto), High Society, St James' Infirmary (they were still listening), if one musician could conquer (at least momentarily silence) the Vault's patrons it was Mr J. Barnhart. The Tennessee Waltz sung by Barnhart's 'other half', Anne Barnhart, went down well, likewise One of These Days. Closing nigh on two hours' non-stop entertainment, Barnhart went out on a super-charged Tiger Rag. Guess what? Tumultuous applause! Mr B can read a room, alright! An encore won, Mr B said 'goodnight' with one surely everyone knows. Altogether now: Oh, when the saints, go marching in (they/we were singing along), I want to be in that number...Aye, It had been a canny night. Russell
No comments :
Post a Comment