Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox: The Future is Vintage @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead - June 4

Willie Ray Moore Jr. (MC, vocals); Effie Passero (vocals);  Tatum Langley (vocals); Katrina Lomis (vocals); Jacob Dupre (piano); Adam Kubota (MD, double bass, bass); Jack Amblin (drums, washboard, vocals); Kyle Morgan (tenor sax, clarinet, flute); JP Floyd (trombone, drums); Demi Remick (dancer) + others

Postmodern Jukebox, PMJ for short, is a global phenomenon. Touring worldwide, year round, often with two or three shows on stage at the same time somewhere on the planet. This evening, PMJ returned to Gateshead's Glasshouse. Earlier visits to Tyneside date from pre-Covid times when the riverfront venue was known as Sage Gateshead. 

The Future is Vintage, two hours, straight through, PMJ's legion of fans knew what to expect. A non-stop, all-singing, all-dancing revue, rehearsed to the nth degree, each and every member of the ensemble hitting their cues. 

From Hotel California to All About the Bass, MC Willie Ray Moore Jr. kept things moving along, whipping up his adoring audience, it wasn't too long before the Geordie faithful were all-singing and all-dancing themselves. PMJ vocalist Effie Passero has been onboard the Good Ship PMJ for the best part of ten years. Her lung-busting vocals much to the liking of the Glasshouse crowd. Hoofer Demi Remick has been 'hoofing' with PMJ for near enough a decade. Boy, she could tap dance, alright. 

The PMJ band, led by Adam Kubota, didn't miss a beat all night. Pianist Jacob Dupre proved to be a revelation. From the Crescent City, Dupre seemingly could play anything, a great player. Scott Bradlee's troupe were drawn from the aforementioned New Orleans, Chicago, New York and other US cities. Special mention for Welshman Jack Amblin. Touring with PMJ must be a thrill, his UK gig with the Washboard Resonators on the back burner. Holding down the drum  chair (most impressive), Amblin briefly took centre stage for an unusual 'scrubbing' and vocal take on It's Not Unusual. 

Earlier, London-based singer-songwriter Amelie (guitar, keyboards) entertained the arriving crowds. An all-original set, from What Colour is Love? to Colour Blind and more, Amelie's short set impressed her all-ears audience.   

If unalloyed entertainment is what you're after, look no further, Postmodern Jukebox is the show for you. PMJ will return and when they do, don't hesitate, book your seats, pronto! Russell          

Set list included: Hotel California; Thank You for the Music; Toxic; Copacabana (At the Copa); Die with a Smile; Super Mario Bros (tap dance medley); Red Right Hand; Radioactive; It's Not Unusual; Cantina Band; Wannabe; swing & tap medley; Die for You; Hallelujah; I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For; All About the Bass.