The Tenement Jazz Band @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle - Jan. 19

© Patti

Charles Dearness (cornet); Stephen Feast (clarinet); Paddy Darley (trombone); John Youngs (banjo, vocals); Rory Clark (sousaphone) + Midas the dog

The Tenements arrived at Prohibition Bar with their new recruit in tow. Midas, the new recruit, immediately made himself at home, stretching out on the floor and promptly falling asleep. Having arrived from Cambridge via a spell busking in York, some of the band sought 'refreshments'. The Forth, on the other side of the lane, offered said refreshments, the advertised seven o'clock start came and went, and, at a quarter past, the band reappeared, ready to go. Dusty Rag signalled the start of the first of two sets.

© Patti

Listening to the opening number, were the Tenements sounding tighter? Was it a new arrangement? Snake Rag, Kinklets (heard less than twenty fours hours earlier courtesy of Adrian Cox at the Pizza Express, Soho), Copenhagen, yes, this was Edinburgh's award-winning band  sounding better than ever. Terrific ensemble work, excellent solos, Charles 'Chuck' Dearness particularly outstanding, leading from the front. 

Second set, Kansas City Stomp blazed a trail. Petite Fleur played with a minimum of vibrato by Stephen Feast (Midas asleep at his feet) captivated the Pink Lance audience. John Youngs sang Whenever You're Lonesome (Just Telephone Me), Dippermouth Blues rattled along, yes, this really was the Tenements on top form. It could be said the Tenements have the Midas Touch. Russell