Pete Tanton's Chet Set @ Sunderland Minster - Nov. 21

© Ken Drew

Pete Tanton (trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals); Alan Law (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

A bitterly cold evening, potentially a skating rink underfoot, few would venture out - or would they? Sunderland's 'Cultural Quarter' is thriving. On this Friday evening, the Fire Station presented Dusty (Dusty Springfield), the adjoining Engine Room pub and restaurant was fully booked, the Dun Cow was doing a roaring trade (when doesn't it?), Top Hat (yes, a Fred and Ginger show) was pulling them in at the Empire, the Peacock's regulars were enjoying a rockabilly session and Sunderland Minster was about to host the latest Old Black Cat Jazz Club concert.

© Ken Drew

Pete Tanton's Chet Set has been playing to enthusiastic houses throughout the region. This evening, a sizeable 'congregation' took a pew in the Minster. As the Chet Set took to the stage it was heartening to see the largest turn out yet at the Old Black Cat Jazz Club's new home. A new baby grand Kawai awaited pianist Alan Law (AL would later express his approval of the instrument)*

Carioca as played by the Gerry Mulligan Quartet opened the show. Bandleader Tanton's trumpet (later flugelhorn) playing piercing the air (brass instruments in a cavernous space like the Minster are heard at their best). Line for Lyons (hear that West Coast sound!), But Not for Me, the Chet Set - Tanton, Law, bassist Mick Shoulder and drummer John Bradford - hit the ground running. PT's vocals were 'just right', drawing in the jazz fan and, perhaps, the not-so-committed fan. That's some achievement, and Tanton and co did it with aplomb.

© Ken Drew

Let's Get Lost, I Get Along Without You Very Well (PT doing his best to convince us), I Remember You, the Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer classic Come Rain or Come Shine heard Tanton the vocalist at his very best, supported by the impeccable bass playing of Mick Shoulder and, the one drummer you'd want on a gig like this, John Bradford (brushes pretty much all the way). These and many more 'Chet Baker' classics made for a most enjoyable evening.

© Ken Drew

It was time to go, Pete Tanton suggesting we Look for the Silver Lining. Thanks go to John Knox for making a real go of the Old Black Jazz Club ('perseverance' the watchword) and the Minster's volunteer staff. Next month, the last concert of the year (Friday 19 December) features the excellent Giles Strong Quartet, 'chamber jazz' at its best. Book online: www.ticketsource.co.uk or pay at the door.          

* Every jazz club/venue should aspire to owning an acoustic piano (grand, baby grand or upright). Russell