Jim McBriarty (alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet, vocals); Alan Marshall (tenor sax, clarinet); Jeremy McMurray (keyboards); Alan Rudd (double bass); Ian Stocks (drums); Olive Rudd (vocals)
A perfect summer's day down at the coast. Cullercoats Bay was busy: swimmers, plodgers, those taking five. Over the road, the Crescent Club was doing good business.
In the bar, the Friday regulars were taking their regular Friday seats. Classic Swing were in town. Well, most of them. Trombonist Neville Hartley was on his hols and every other 'bone man from the Tweed down to the Tees was otherwise engaged.
Tommy Moran's Classic Swing the traditional opener - what a good tune it is. When the Midnight Choo-Choo Leaves for Alabam', written in 1912 by Irving Berlin, is a good ol' good un' and, in marked contrast, Kenny Dorham's Blue Bossa was decidedly modern. The thing about Classic Swing is the musicians are adaptable, turning their hand to whatever is in the pad.
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans sang Jim McBriarty. As the thermometer hit not far short of 30°, the Crescent City was being given a run for its money. Olive Rudd was in the house, of course she was. And from time to time Olive took to the floor to sing a good ol' good un', Is it True What They Say About Dixie?, one of this afternoon's selections.
Interval. Raffle time. Oh, well...
Stevedore Stomp rattled along. The horns - Jim McBriarty and Alan Marshall - made a good fist of it in emulating Ellington's Cotton Club Orchestra. Strike Up the Band commanded J. McBriarty with panist Jeremy McMurray playing his part.
Bandleader Alan Rudd stepped briefly into the spotlight on 'A' Train before handing over to McBriarty to sing Lazybones. Listening to Hoagy Carmichael's song, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, it struck your reviewer that this Tin Pan Alley number, with its convoluted cadences, was anything but easy to sing.
Olive returned to belt out Hard Hearted Hannah, staying on to tell us all about Beale Street Blues. As the three o'clock finish approached, Mr J. McBriarty made the introductions. Few on the premises wouldn't know the boys in the band, including 'the Buddy Rich of Bedlington', Ian Stocks. Put that on your business card, Ian!
If you happen to be 'down the coast' on Saturday, why not pop along to Tynemouth Priory? Classic Swing will be on the Jazz Stage, right outside the Gibraltar Rock pub, at three o'clock. The multi-bill of action gets underway at noon. It's gonna be hot. Be sure to wear a knotted hanky and take frequent hydration breaks. Russell
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