Preview: A Jazzy Christmas @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead.

Paul Edis (MD, piano); Jo Harrop (vocals); Vasilis Xenopoulos (tenor sax, soprano sax); Faye Thompson (alto sax, clarinet); Sue Ferris (flute, piccolo); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jason Holcomb (trombone); Emma Fisk (violin); Andy Champion (double bass); Matt MacKellar (drums).

It's that most wonderful time of the year again or so we are told and sometimes its true - particularly when Paul Edis' Jazzy Christmas play their annual concert(s) at the Glasshouse and other north east venues.*

It's always a fun occasion. The woes of the world can be put on hold and, for a couple of hours, be transported to a Christmas time just like the ones we used to know. The music will be the same but better. How could it not be with the all-star cast listed above?

Paul Edis will lead from the front, tell some jokes that will draw more groans than laughs. However, he will make up for it by playing some amazing piano and supplying  arrangements that will make the most mundane seasonal song sound like the best of Beethoven, Bach, Bacharach, Beatles, Brubeck and Basie.

Jo Harrop will no doubt have her local fan club in attendance which of course includes a large faction from BSH and half the population of Chester-le- Street (Paul Edis will bring the other half).

Vasilis Xenopoulos is no stranger to the north east although this may be his first with AJC. Whatever, expect some terrific tenor/soprano playing. Along with Faye, Sue, Emma, Graham, Jason, Andy and Matt this is the real deal. Not to be missed. Lance

Dec. 13 @ the Glasshouse (formerly the Sage), Gateshead. 2:00pm and 8:00pm.

* Other dates: 

Dec. 12 @ St Cuthbert's Centre, Crook. 

Dec. 16 @ Queen's Hall, Hexham. 

Dec.17 @ The Fire Station, Sunderland.