Mouth of the Tyne Festival (day 2): House of the Black Gardenia - July 13

Elise Rana (vocals, washboard); Lara Hopper (trumpet); David Gray (trombone, vocals); Keith Armstrong (alto sax, clarinet); Katja Roberts (violin); Michael Littlefield (vocals, guitar, banjo); Neil Hopper (sousaphone, bass); Kit Haigh (drums).

Everywhere else they were having a heatwave - everywhere, that is, other than at the 'Jazz Stage' where the wind blowing in from the North Sea issued a health warning to brass monkeys.
 
On the actual stage, sheltered from the 'cool breeze', HotBG delivered the goods in their inimitable 1920s/30s' style with outstanding vocals, instrumental solos and ensembles.

Good to hear Lara Hopper for the second time in five days. Playing in two different settings the teenage trumpet player slotted in comfortably on  both occasions.  

David Gray too has been spreading it around playing trombone and singing with various bands here, there and everywhere from the Vieux Carré to Classic Swing and, of course, his own Flextet as well as HotBG.

Keith Robinson, on leave from SSBB, soloed on alto and clarinet and Elise Rana and Michael Littlefield led from the front with earthy vocals. Elise scrubbed the washboard and Michael played guitar and banjo.

Katja impressed on violin and Neil and Kit kept it all together down below.

Such was the rhythm generated that it wasn't long before the swing dancers emerged to strut their stuff and I'm sure it wasn't just to keep warm although I'm sure that it helped.

A second album is on the horizon - watch this space. Lance