The end of a chapter. In glorious sunshine, Bishop Auckland Jazz said farewell to Auckland Palace. From July, the monthly Friday lunchtime session moves on up the road to Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. This afternoon's concert, featuring saxophonist Mick Donnelly, drew a capacity crowd, then some.
As Mick Donnelly picked up his tenor a minute before the one o'clock down beat, folk were being turned away at the door. Such is the success of the Bishop Auckland Jazz concert series it pays to arrive early! Donnelly is one of the region's 'been there, done that' musicians. In addition to leading Teesside's premier big band Musicians Unlimited and running a music school, Donnelly somehow finds time to gig throughout the UK and abroad.
Auckland Castle counts as a local gig for Donnelly, as it does for his bandmates - Dean Stockdale, piano, Mick Shoulder, double bass, and drummer John Bradford. Take the 'A' Train pulled out of Bishop Auckland Station right on time, bound for Manhattan Island. Bold, assured tenor playing, this Old Library engagement held few fears for Donnelly.
Exploring the full range of his tenor, Mick Donnelly worked wonders in the upper register, high-wire stuff with no safety net! Donnelly's alto got an outing on Doxy and, perhaps the tune of the afternoon, a faithful reading of Our Love is Here to Stay. Pianist Dean Stockdale made the most of several solo opportunities, bassist Mick Shoulder took one or two himself, and drummer John Braford took care of fours with consummate ease.
The hour flew by - a sign of a good gig! To conclude a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, Mick Donnelly first thanked his bandmates one more time, then set sail for St Thomas.
Next month (Friday 11 July) the concert series relocates to Bishop Auckland Methodist Church on Cockton Hill Road (directly opposite Bishop Auckland General Hospital). And to open the new chapter in the ongoing success story of Bishop Auckland Jazz, the Paul Skerritt Quartet will be in town! Be sure to arrive in good time for a one o'clock start. It's a bargain £8.00 at the door (cash or card).
Set list: Take the 'A' Train; On the Sunny Side of the Street; Nature Boy; Doxy; Our Love is Here to Stay; Cantaloupe Island; Time After Time; St Thomas. Russell
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