My evening began when I met my pal Greg for a couple of pints in the Bodega bar next door to the venue. In there we met a couple Pete and Kate who had travelled from Oxford for a weekend in Newcastle where they would see Jack Bruce and then watch Newcastle United play Liverpool on the Sunday afternoon. After much reminiscing about bands of the past, we downed our pints and wandered in to the theatre just in time to see Jack Bruce take his seat at the electric piano and begin the opening chords of 'Can You Follow'. Gradually the other band members joined him on stage and we were then treated to a run through of some of Jack's greatest songs from various points of his illustrious career.
One of the early songs was 'Neighbour Neighbour' from his time with Graham Bond. This featured a scorching sax solo from Derek Nash. Then a selection from his first solo album 'Songs For A Tailor'. First 'Weird of Hermiston' which segued into 'Tickets for Waterfalls' and was then followed by an awesome version of 'Theme For An Imaginary Western'. I think it was at this point that a woman at the front of the audience shouted "I love you, Jack"
We then moved into the Cream section with 'Spoonful' closely followed by 'Born Under a Bad Sign', Jack treating us to some great playing on his trademark fretless bass. Time then for another shout of "I love you, Jack" to which he quickly responded "You're so loyal. I think this is the longest relationship I've ever had."
One of the many highlights was a terrific version of We're Going Wrong' from the 'Disraeli Gears' album. Then two from 'Wheels of Fire' as 'Deserted Cities of the Heart' was followed by the opening chords of 'White Room'. Finally the band played out with 'Sunshine of your love' and after a standing ovation, came back to encore with 'Politician'.
Jack was supported throughout by a fine set of younger (and taller) musicians. A tight six or seven piece band who provided just the right accompanyment without overshadowing the main man. I say six or seven piece as the core six were joined by Nick Cohen on bass when Jack moved to the electric piano. During 'Sunshine of your love' there were two bass players on stage - I think the first time I have seen that. Unlike many of Jack's contemporaries, he did not need to be carried by a superb set of musicians. His playing and his voice are still in fine shape.
I was reminded of a superb BBC4 documentary about Jack that I saw a few weeks ago. It was particularly revealing about some of the tragedies that have occurred in his life. Sexually molested by a trusted music teacher while still a very young man, he lost one of his sons at the age of 28 and then Jack himself almost died following a diagnosis for liver cancer and a subsequent liver transplant operation in 2003. Thankfully he recovered and has continued to thrill music fans ever since.
As the lights came up, the audience filed out of the theatre and we joined many of them back in the Bodega for a final pint. There we hooked up again with Pete and Kate who had also thoroughly enjoyed the show. Eventually they went off in search of Stowell Street (Newcastle's China Town) and we wished them a good weekend as we finished our own pints and headed towards the metro home.
The Big Blues Band are:-
Jack Bruce - vocals/bass/piano
Tony Remy - guitar
Frank Tontoh - drums
Nick Cohen - bass
Paddy Milner - piano/keyboards
Winston Rollins - Trombone
Derek Nash - tenor sax
Paul Newton - trumpet
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