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| © John Lyons Photography |
Mejedi Owusu (trumpet); Francis Tulip (guitar); Tommy Fuller (double bass); Noah Stone (drums)
A fifth and final gig in a run of tremendous gigs across the north east of England. As Blaydon Jazz Club put up the 'SOLD OUT' notices, the lucky ones with tickets began to arrive. The Black Bull comes into its own when there is a full house. What's more, on a warm summer's evening, the doors to the beer garden were open offering views up and down the Tyne. Quietly idyllic, it was.
Mejedi, Francis, Tommy and Noah were set and ready to go. Charlie Parker's Diverse (also known as Segment), Chick Corea's Windows, Tommy Flanagan's Freight Trane (from Kenny Burrell and John Coltrane), yes, a first set comprising three numbers. The four young musicians on the stand can certainly stretch out and that is precisely what they did, not only here on Bridge Street, but on all of their gigs. They know the material inside out, tight ensemble work and immense solo flights, trumpeter Mejedi and guitarist Francis the principal soloists.
Interval chatter revolved around just how good the first set had been. Some people had come a distance, from Yorkshire, if not further. They weren't disappointed. The musicians were doing the business, the bar was doing good business, it was one of those nights.
Second set, more of the same. Highlights? Getting to hear trumpeter Mejedi Owusu up close. It won't be too long before Mejedi returns to his studies in NYC. What a life! We, that's the Blaydon Jazz Club audience, know how good Francis is. Nevertheless, it was great to see him again. Our London-based, County Durham lad sure can play! And what a treat to hear Tommy again and, for the first time 'up north', Noah, that's drummer Noah Stone. Hopefully we'll see and hear more of Noah.
Herbie Hancock's One Finger Snap received another workout, bassist Tommy Fuller working out, then Jimmy Van Heusen's Like Someone in Love, Mejedi majestic. Four outstanding musicians, one excellent night out at Blaydon Jazz Club.
The Black Bull is due to undergo refurbishment, so, Blaydon Jazz Club will reconvene in September with something rather special. In his centenary year, the late John Coltrane was born September 23, 1926, the great Lewis Watson returns to Blaydon to salute Trane. Join Lewis (tenor sax), Mark Williams (guitar), Andy Champion (double bass) and drummer John Bradford on Monday September 21 for a night of 'Trane'. Eight o'clock start. A tenner at the door. Don't be late, it's gonna be busy! Russell
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