Tyne Valley Stomping in Saltwell Park.

Fred Rowe (tpt), Lance Cousins (tmb), Barry Soulsby (clt), Terry Harvey (bjo/gtr), Tom Derbyshire (bs),Mike Harrison (dms).

There are few more attractive sounds than, when walking through a park, the strains of "Apex Blues" wafts through the leafy glades and guides you to its source.

The source in this instance was the bandstand in Gateshead's Saltwell Park and the purveyers of such purity were the Tyne Valley Stompers.

The Stompers were in good form and in good voice - the majority of them seemed to be able to exercise their vocal chords at will.

Tom Derbyshire couldn't give me anything but love whilst the drummer proclaimed that it was a sin to tell a lie. I'm quite sure that Barry and Fred also made some statements in song.

"I Found a New Baby" was given a good workout with an exceptionally good solo from namesake; slideman Lance (Cousins). With the end of the first set came the rain and, although it wasn't too severe, I decided to call it a day just in case...

The Stompers should do more gigs - they get a good dixieland sound - even in the open air.

Photos.

Lance.