IN THE 12 years it's been operating, the Opus 4 Jazz Club has made a point of featuring a wide range of some of our best local musicians.

One of these, pianist Dean Stockdale, after successful appearances with his trio and Lickety Split, suggested a piano duet with Dave Newton which had been a great success last year in Newcastle.

Recognised as one of the finest jazz pianists in the UK, Newton used to appear regularly at Darlington Arts Centre but has not appeared in the town for five years.

Not surprisingly this drew a full house and the two pianists did not disappoint in a fine and swinging performance, with some brilliant playing from each player and a splendid rapport between the two.

Their two electric pianos were line up facing each other, a brief discussion at the bar determined the programme and, with the slightest of visual or musical cues, they set off.

Standards like I’m Old Fashioned, Over the Rainbow and Have You Met Miss Jones? as well as Sonny Rollins’ St. Thomas and a Blues for Stephanie provided wonderful inspiration for the two pianists, taking it in turns to solo or back with occasional spontaneous unison passages.

Other highlights included an imaginative Body and Soul, a thoughtful Over the Rainbow and a watchful Moonlight in Vermont.

The Jazz Club’s next performance on Friday. March 18, brings a return visit by the Will Howard Quartet. Details at jazzindarlington.com or call 01325 382676.

Peter Bevan