Classic Swing got the show on the road with their eponymous theme song and it was a good, nicely balanced sound.
Without a trumpet in the frontline it can be difficult playing a Dixieland number such as Way Down Yonder in New Orleans but with McBriarty blowing a Bechet-like lead on soprano the problem was solved. He also threw in a vocal for good measure.
Olive stepped up to the plate to sing Cole Porter's From This Moment on followed by a number associated with Bix in the form of Singin' the Blues. Our gal was in good voice despite, or maybe because of, having a sore throat.
More Cole with an instrumental take on What is This Thing Called Love? Excellent solos all round although maybe McMurray just aced it. Neville Hartley delved into the Hoagy Carmichael songbook for Rockin' Chair and I irreverently mused that the audience could certainly relate to this one (myself included!)
The set closed with Blue Bossa.
The interval gave me the opportunity to catch up with my good friend Colin Aitchison over here from Hong Kong where he plays trumpet, trombone, sings and leads the band at Ned Kelly's Last Stand in Kowloon. It was a fortuitous visit for Colin as he won a home-made cake in the raffle. Cullercoates - the Las Vegas of North Tyneside!
The second set comprised Farewell Blues; What More Can I Say?; June Night; When Your Smiling; Creole Love Call and Doctor Jazz all played to perfection with vocals here and there from Olive and Jim.
A special mention of Alan Rudd and Ian Stocks who kept things swinging. A very pleasant afternoon even though I didn't win any home-made cakes. Lance
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