Swing Manouche @ Blaydon Jazz Club - August 18

Martin Winning (clarinet); Mick Shoulder (guitar); Dave Smith (rhythm guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass)

© Roly Veitch

Blaydon Jazz Club is on something of a roll. In recent times audience numbers have stabilised, a sure sign that, post Covid, folk are getting along to the Black Bull on a regular basis. Mine host, Dean, is supportive of the monthly jazz night here on Bridge Street, the ambience is such that musicians and audience alike are happy to make the pilgrimage.

This evening, Swing Manouche were making a return visit. Formed by guitarist Mick Shoulder, it took a while for the Django-inspired quartet to hit on a settled line-up. Messrs Mick Shoulder, Dave Smith (rhythm guitar), Paul Grainger (string bass) and clarinettist Martin Winning would appear to be that settled line-up. 

Mid to late period Django (Stéphane exiled in London, Hubert Rostaing's clarinet taking centre stage), is the inspiration for Mick and co. Picture the scene: Paris, the immediate post WWII years. A sense of optimism, looking to the future, a rekindled joie de vivre. Django, a living legend, defying the odds, defying physical limitations, having steadfastly defied the now-defeated Nazis, oh, to have been at a Django gig! 

The Black Bull on Rue Bridge Street, bière (Old Peculier), conversation, the absence of a thick pall of Gauloise, then to the music. A familiar repertoire, from Swing 42 to a show-stopping Dark Eyes, unless you hop across the Channel to Paris, Swing Manouche is the band to catch. And catch them next at the Green Tree pub in Bishop Auckland on Sunday (August 31, three o'clock). Russell