Swing Bridge and Sheila Robson @ Barnes Park, Sunderland.

Sheila Robson (vcl), Malcolm Railton (tpt/gtr), Kathrine Turner (ten), Dick Straughan (pno), Ian Heslop (bs), Stevie Doyle (dms). It was a gorgeous summer's day and the jazz population of Sunderland turned out en masse - they both looked well. There should have been more as an exciting new voice - well new to me - was unveiled.

Sheila Robson, mark the name, is a welcome addition to the growing list of local chanteuses. She gave great renditions of "Mean to Me", "Makin' Whoopee", "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby", "Ain't Misbehavin'" amongst others. Up to date with it too - "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" had the line - 'Diamond bracelets PRIMARK doesn't sell baby."

Behind her, Swing Bridge were sound despite the acoustical difficulties associated with al fresco performances. Their versions of "Cute" and "Yardbird Suite" bore comparision with last years.

I can think of few better ways of spending an afternoon in the park although I'm open to suggestion. Photos.

Lance.