Damon Brown (cornet), Steve Grossman (ten), Robin Aspland (pno), Mark Hodgson (bs), Sebastian de Krom (dms).If Steve Grossman, at times, appeared to be coasting then who could blame him? The American was recuperating from surgery for damaged vertebrae which didn't make blowing a tenor easy.
Nevertheless, vertebrae notwithstanding, he blew fine contempary(ish) tenor (the instrument was a somewhat time travelled Selmer Mark VI) in comparatively short but effective bursts.
The general feel on this Jazz North-east/Gateshead Leisure promotion was updated bebop with Damon Brown outstanding on cornet - shades of Nat Adderley, plus a touch of Don Cherry in the mix and a lot of Damon Brown.
On piano, Robin Aspland was as brilliant as I've come to expect him to be - he has technique to spare - whilst Mark Hodgson coped manfully with a double bass, the spike of which was constantly disappearing up its own spike hole, without missing a beat!
Dutch Drummer, Sebastian de Krom, never stopped swinging and soloed impressively. The ensembles, particularly in the final set, had a great, punchy sound.
The tunes? Well there was "Joyspring" by Clifford Brown, "I Mean You" by Monk, A surprising "I'm Confessin'", "I Can't Get Started", a number by Lee Morgan, an original by Steve - "415 Park Avenue" - and one by Damon, "My Deposit". Plus a few others whose titles escape me now.
This has been a good week for music, I'm pleased to say the room was crowded, and it ain't over yet!
Lance
It really was a fantastic gig. I had a huge grin on my face all night and that takes some doing!
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