Archived Reviews

Support: Terry Fletcher
Support: Gerry Tapscott (with a little help from 'The Big Band')

Terry Fletcher got the night underway. He began with the Kieran Halpin song 'Mirror Town' and followed this with two self-penned numbers, one old and one brand new - 'If I Fall In Love Again' and 'Vanishing Point'. He also told a rather 'rude' joke (no change there)! Then it was time for three songs from Gerry Tapscott who, for the first time, had brought with her the Big Band (Jimmy & Carol, John Baston and John Redpath). She sang three covers 'Killing Me Softly', 'I Don't Mind If You're Singing The Blues' and 'I Don't Want To Talk About It'. Everyone was in great form.

This all led very nicely to the guest performer of the evening - Ewen Carruthers. We were treated to a number of new songs from his forthcoming album (provisional title 'Long Distance') and straightaway the Cramlington choir were in full swing and loving every minute of it. For those wanting the list of songs he sang 'Mr Anderson'; 'Old Dog'; 'Pierre-Auguste Renoir'; 'A Spring Time Story'; 'A Little Bit Of Me'; 'The Railroad And The Plough'; 'Lovely Little White Cloud' and 'When Time Turns Around'.

A short break followed, with the obligatory raffle (this time not won by the person drawing the ticket), and then it was time again for Terry Fletcher who sang 'You Got The Honey' and then a club favourite, his own 'The Hard Way'. Gerry Tapscott and the Big Band returned with 'As Tears Go By' and 'Teach Your Children'.

Everyone was eagerly awaiting the return of Ewen and he didn't disappoint in the second half. He sang 'Alcatraz'; 'Lewis & Clark'; 'The Amber Room'; 'The Power', 'The Dogs Meat Man'; 'The Message' finishing off with his wonderful song 'Rubinstein Remembers'. But there was to be more - he came back on and encored with 'Slow Blues'.

It was a great night, very well attended, a thoroughly enjoyable evening - Ewen is already booked for a return visit in June 2008!

jiva