Would Storm
Darragh deter some? Some twenty minutes before the 12:30pm start the signs were
encouraging with most seats occupied at St Augustine's Parish Centre. It takes
more than the threat of wind and rain to put off Darlington New Orleans Jazz
Club's regulars. The one unoccupied seat on stage was that of the New Century
Ragtime Orchestra's MC.
Driving from Cumbria on the A66 proved problematic for MC Steve Andrews. Road closures obliged the NCRO's frontman to take the Yorkshire/County Durham scenic route. The band decided to start without him. In the absence of Andrews, it was down to one of the NCRO's two vocalists, Jim McBriarty, to handle MC duties. Ellington and Oliver figured early on, Caroline Irwin singing Guilty. After a while, the door opened and 'In Walked Steve'.
A quick change
from civvies into a penguin suit and the band was up to full strength. Taking
his seat at one the end of the reeds, it didn't take MC Andrews long to get
into his stride. Which member of the orchestra would incur the wrath of the man
from Cumbria? For 'wrath' read 'good-natured jibe(s)'! This afternoon, the
short straw was drawn by vocalist Caroline Irwin. A stream of one-liners caused
much hilarity. Don't forget, Mr A, revenge (Ms Irwin's revenge) is a dish best
served cold!
As for the music, this was the NCRO on top form. The frontline brass and reeds comprised the usual suspects, separated/kept apart by violinist Jonathan Trevor. The engine room was enhanced by the welcome return of Brummie 'classic jazz' percussionist Nick Ward, and a debut performance with the NCRO by pianist Dean Stockdale. Taking a ringside seat, Dave Kerr, the band's mastermind (he writes the vast majority of the charts), dressed up for the occasion (suitable for conducting a funeral service or making a court appearance).
Playing his second gig of the day, Dave Hignett (earlier in the day conducting the Prudhoe Community Band at Newcastle Central Station) grabbed several solo opportunities, everyone of them right on the money. To Hignett's right, the ever-elegant Neville Hartley. If NH is on trombone (the man also plays a mean jazz piano), Dave Kerr must think to himself: That's the trombone chair taken care of. And it was. Marvellous playing.
The multitasking J. McBriarty is another who never fails to deliver the goods, this afternoon playing baritone sax (a rarity), singing and, not forgetting, depping as MC.
Phil Rutherford (tuba) and drum maestro Nick Ward (stalwarts both of the annual Classic Jazz Party) were as good as ever, Rutherford tucked away behind all the shiny brass, Ward a visual treat, a master craftsman at work. And what of pianist Dean Stockdale? Our man got the call, he read the charts, he did the job. One would expect no less.
It had been an enjoyable afternoon in convivial company. Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club's next concert promotion is set for February, featuring the return of Alan Barnes and John Hallam (favourites here on Larchfield Street) working alongside the top class Tom Kincaid Trio. Details nearer the time. The New Century Ragtime Orchestra's annual spring concert at Gosforth Civic Theatre is fast approaching, again, details, nearer the time. Russell
Set list: My Baby Just Cares for Me; East St Louis Toodle-oo; Chattanooga Stomp; Guilty; Get Out and Get Under the Moon; Blue Minor; Teddy Bear Blues; Just an Hour of Love with You; You'd be Surprised; St Louis Tickle; High Tension; Dancing Under the Stars; Doing the Frog; Too Many Tears; I Can't Give You Anything but Love; You're the One I Care For; If I Could be with You One Hour Tonight; Lonesome and Sorry; Freshie; J'ai Deux Amour; Goodbye Blues.
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