Dan Johnson with the Dean Stockdale Trio @ Blaydon Jazz Club - June 15

© Roly

Dan Johnson (tenor sax); Dean Stockdale (keyboards); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Abbie Finn (drums)

A first appearance at Blaydon Jazz Club for tenor saxophonist Dan Johnson. A familiar face in the ranks of many a big band, this evening's concert would be an opportunity to hear Johnson in a small group setting. The Black Bull faithful duly turned out and, encouragingly, one or two new faces came along to to see - and hear - for themselves what Blaydon Jazz Club is all about. 

In possession of a big sound, tenor saxophonist Dan Johnson opened with All the Things You Are. A little tentative, perhaps, no rehearsal, tunes which would usually be topped and tailed, it took a while for Johnson to relax into it. The trio - pianist Dean Stockdale, bassist Mick Shoulder and drummer Abbie Finn - hit the ground running: Bridge Street, Blaydon is familiar territory to these guys. 

© Russell

Dean Stockdale made the introductions as Dan Johnson attempted to eschew the spotlight - somewhat difficult given the spotlight was on him! On this mid-summer evening (it felt more like autumn) Johnson got to grips with the playful waltz Up Jumped Spring. An enjoyable first set, Body and Soul hit the spot. Sensitively played, perhaps Johnson was beginning to feel more at home.  

One of the defining characteristics of Blaydon Jazz Club is the Great American Songbook. One such song from the book, Beautiful Love, resumed affairs, Victor Young's composition receiving its umpteenth rendition here at the Black Bull.  The trio alone was worth the price of admission. All three musicians are bandleaders in their own right and their collective experience playing Blaydon Jazz Club would likely be reassuring to Johnson. He was in good company - on and off stage. 

Afternoon in Paris and Stella by Starlight were given a workout, perhaps a too vigorous work out. In marked contrast, Johnson and Stockdale as a duo, produced a fine reading of Tenderly, And to close another evening of top class jazz on Bridge Street, Dan Johnson and the Dean Stockdale Trio sent us on our way with Clifford Brown's rather joyous Joy Spring. Russell

Set list: All the Things You Are; On Green Dolphin Street; Up Jumped Spring; Karioka; Body and Soul; You and the Night and the Music; Beautiful Love; Afternoon in Paris; Stella by Starlight; Tenderly; Joy Spring. 

July's Blaydon Jazz Club concert features Mejedi Owusu with the Francis Tulip Trio. Trumpeter Mejedi is currently tearing it up on the NYC jazz scene and will be heading home in the first week of July. Put the date in your diary - Monday 20th July. Advance tickets/reservations (£10.00) are available. See Blaydon Jazz Club's facebook page, drop a DM and your ticket(s) will be available at the door on the night. Arrive early for an eight o'clock start and grab a seat, it's going to be busy!