On 9 October, another thoroughly enjoyable lunchtime jazz session courtesy of #bishopaucklandjazz welcomed Dean Stockdale on piano alongside regular players Mick Shoulder (bass) and John Bradford (drums), writes Andy Jakob. I always look forward to these monthly events and we are so lucky to have such quality musicians perform regularly for us.
The audience was treated to a great mix of standards and an original by Dean himself.
They began with Autumn Leaves closely followed by a slow and spacious ballad entitled ‘Tis Autumn, suggesting a theme for the rest of the set but thankfully they leapt into a rousing version of Oscar Peterson’s BossaBeguine and On the Outside Looking In, which suggested Oliver Nelson and Blue Note Swing.
After that we got an inspired rendition of Pure Imagination from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which I enjoyed, never having heard it set to jazz before today. Reunion Blues by Milt Jackson created a storm with some feverishly fast solos from all involved before we were treated to a really laid back and soporific version of Have You Met Miss Jones.
These lunchtime events attract a strong regular audience to Bishop Auckland but there are plenty of seats available for more visitors.
The next performance on 13th November features guitarist Giles Strong with a trio of piano, bass and drums. Once again this will be at the Bishop Auckland Methodist Church on Cockton Hill Road at 1.00pm.
Let’s make Bishop Auckland feel the swing!
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
