However, this is more than a mere parochial documentation although it is that but, more significantly, it is also in many ways a primer for other jazz clubs of similar means - or lack of them - to keep afloat. Lack of means is invariably the death knell to grassroots venues of any genre. The millions poured into major concert venues rarely reach places such as Blaydon.
That apart, the book itself is magnificent in both text and graphic. The musicians who helped Roly to realise his dream such as Digby Fairweather, Johnny Barnes, Roy Williams, Tommy Whittle, Janusz Carmello alongside future stars Dave Cliff and Paul Booth are all well featured. Booth, who rumour has it, was blowing great sax when he was just out of diapers, returns to celebrate the club's fortieth anniversary in September.
This is undoubtedly my jazz book of the year but, not only that, it is also a collector's item containing, as it does, the only known photo in existence of my dear friend and drummer par excellence, the late Marshall Walker actually smiling. If you don't believe me see p.7 although he does also make a halfhearted attempt on p.6.
Grab a copy whilst you can at the club's next session at the Black Bull in Blaydon on June 10 where Swing Manouche are the featured band. A book, a band and some good beer - sounds like a triple whammy to me! Lance
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