Daniel John Martin w. Swing Manouche @ The Ship Isis (The Vaux Room): Sunderland - April 24

© Ken Drew

Daniel John Martin (violin, vocals); Mick Shoulder (guitar); Dave Smith (guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass)

We're very fortunate in the north east that DJM is good friends with Mick Shoulder, as he's a gypsy jazz superstar, and he regularly plays a handful of north east dates with Mick's band Swing Manouche.

An away gig for the Old Black Cat club coincided with their footballing namesakes playing at home, and with the Ship Isis within walking distance of the Stadium of Light, it was very busy at the bar. Fortunately the Vaux Room was up the stairs, a cosy room, ideal for some top quality gypsy jazz.

© Ken Drew

DJM is a virtuoso violinist, exploring the full range of the instrument, both physically and musically, with some vocals on a couple of songs (without the aid of a mic). Mick Shoulder is an accomplished gypsy jazz guitarist and provided plenty of interesting solos. The rhythm section were rock solid, with Dave Smith supplying machine like rhythm guitar, and Paul Grainger showing what a versatile bass player he is. 

They were well received by an enthusiastic audience who were considerably happier than their footballing counterparts! DJM and the band were happy to play a request as an encore. Ian Hodgson

Set list (not necessarily in the right order!): Dinette; Roses of Picardy; I'll See You in my Dreams; Douce Ambiance; Swing 48; Troublant Bolero; Djangology; I’m Confessin'; Coquette; J’attendrai; There Will Never be Another You; My One and Only Love; I Love You; Lady be Good