It's a big show spread over three floors. Entering the Hatton Gallery, much of the wall/floor space was temporarily given over to some of the students' work. Walking into a second room a painting immediately caught the eye...
LAST ENTRY (LOG 03) : We danced with the good and great of Newcastle, it was a damn good night out. So said the caption to the side of the canvas (see photo of the painting). The artist, Juliette Black, couldn't possibly have known much, if anything, about the long gone La Dolce Vita on Low Friar Street, or could she?
In 1963 the venue opened in a blaze of publicity. The Kaye Sisters were the opening act. Positioning itself in the market as an 'up market' cabaret venue, La Dolce Vita booked the likes of Tom Jones, Matt Monro, Bob Monkhouse, Tommy Cooper and Dickie Valentine. The Beatles dropped by one night - for a drink. Likewise, the Krays!
The local jazz scene wasn't frozen out, far from it. Familiar names - familiar to local jazz fans, that is - were employed on Low Friar Street. The painting depicts a female vocalist, supported by, more than likely, the house band. There is a connection between artist Juliette and La Dolce Vita. Juliette's grandfather, the late Marcus Levey, was one of three brothers who opened and ran the venue!
BSH has an inkling as to who some of the musicians were in the painting. Do you know who they were?
To comment, click on 'No Comments', then drop down to 'NAME/URL', then hit 'CONTINUE', then type your name and enter your comment. A noirish story awaits its final chapter.
The 2026 Newcastle University Fine Art degree show (Monday to Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm) closes at five o'clock on Saturday 6th June. And if you happen to be in London, July 11th to 14th inclusive, the degree show can be viewed (10:00am to 6:00pm) at Candid Arts Trust, 3-5 Torrens Street EC1V. Russell
2 comments :
I think Derek Dixon was the bassist, Eric Gamblin the guitarist. Might be Ken Morrell on vibes. Pianist possibly Bob Stephenson ?
Without doubt this would be the original Bob Stephenson Quintet with Bob on piano,Derek Dixon (bass),Denis Healey(drums),Eric Gamblin(guitar),Ken Morell(vibes)& my late wife Anne de Vere on vocals. This was undoubtedly a very fine musical ensemble & I
well remember nipping in to catch the acts & listen to the band,during our interval when I was with Roundabout at the Mayfair, next door.
Sadly, everyone in the painting has passed away but I remember that these were exciting times with a tremendous camaraderie among musicians.A lovely memory for me before it's my time to join them.!!!
Bill Harper
Post a Comment