Ben Phillips (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Bailey Rudd (drums) + Kate O'Niell (vocals); David Gray (trombone); Luis Verde (alto sax); Jan Spencelayh (vocals); Olly Styles (alto sax); Edgar Bell (trumpet); Lara Hopper (trumpet); Neil Hopper (double bass); Liam Oliver (guitar); Shayo Oshodi (vocals); Martin Waugh (piano); Jamie Watkins (double bass); Paul Ruddick (alto sax); Shivan Ruddick (trumpet); John Rowland (tenor sax); Laurence Harrison (guitar); Robert Johnson (alto sax); Jed (drums); Dylan (alto sax); Josh Bentham (alto sax); Owen Jones (double bass); Ian Drever (vocals); Becky Tuck (vocals); Remy Coulthard-Boardman (vocals); Theo Nolan (drums); Esther Coombes (alto sax, clarinet)
Closed for refurbishment for something like six weeks, would the Black Swan look any different? Queueing in the courtyard of Newcastle Arts Centre ahead of doors opening at seven o'clock, thoughts turned to who might be sitting in. Descending the stairs to the Black Swan, the bar area hadn't changed one jot. It transpired the women's loos had been the focus of the refurb.
It was early, before seven, yet they were coming in thick and fast - faces old and new. At half past seven the house trio - Ben Phillips, Paul Grainger and Bailey Rudd - kicked off with an unseasonal Autumn Leaves. And still they were coming down the stairs. One thing's for sure, the 'first and third Tuesday in the month' mantra is an effective advertising tactic.
First out of the traps, Kate O'Niell sang Misty. David Gray and Luis Verde were chomping at the bit, our trombone-alto sax pairing giving On Green Dolphin Street a good workout. As one punter later posted to Facebook: He's something else. The 'he' being Señor Verde.
Jan Spencelayh sang My Funny Valentine (always good to hear Jan), Shayo Oshodi sang, Becky Tuck sang, Ian Drever came up with two new songs, that's new for him (Skylark and Manhattan) and, the icing on the cake, the returning (he's been away on tour) Remy Coulthard-Boardman. 'Remy CB', as he's known, sang the hit song for Ray Charles, You Don't Know Me. Superb!
All the way from Edinburgh, pianist Martin Waugh sat patiently, listening to the never-ending stream of sitters-in. Later, Martin would post to facebook: Jings it's busy! Indeed it was. Martin got the nod from MC Paul Grainger and, for half an hour or so, provided excellent accompaniment to a wide range of jam session regulars. MW is always a most welcome visitor to the Black Swan. Hope to see you again soon, Martin!
As the session picked up speed it became apparent it was a night for the altoists. First, Señor Verde, followed by Olly Styles, Paul Ruddick, Robert Johnson, newbie Dylan, Josh Bentham (rarely heard on Tyneside, this evening making a big impression) and Black Swan jam session trooper, Esther Coombes.
Who else was around? Ah, yes, guitarist Laurence Harrison (excellent), bassists Neil Hopper, Jamie Watkins and Owen Jones (MC Grainger couldn't believe his luck!) and the soon-to-depart Lara Hopper. Over the last couple of years or so, trumpeter Lara has become a familiar face at the jam session, turning up early and sometimes departing before the end, after all the next day was a school day. However, come September, Lara will be off to Trinity Laban. Congratulations to Lara, a star in the making!
The Black Swan finale has become something of a tradition as all horns left standing take to the floor for one last blow. Hugely energetic, often gloriously chaotic, it sends us on our way. This evening - was it a first? - MC Grainger took to conducting the ensemble. Great stuff!
Thanks go to Paul, Kay and all the staff for yet another memorable occasion. If you haven't ventured down to the Black Swan, do give it a try - first and third Tuesdays. It costs nowt to get in but please put some business the way of the bar. It's what is known as the 'jazz economy'. See you down on Westgate Road the week after next, that's Tuesday 18 February. Russell
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