Paul Edis (keyboards), Mick Shoulder (double bass), Dave Francis (drums), Graham Hardy (trumpet), Chris Hibbard (trombone), Graeme Wilson (tenor saxophone).
Northumberland Tennis Club is the latest venue on the local jazz circuit. A well-appointed sports club with a jazz-loving chairman, it could well prove to be a long-term success.
At last night's gig (April 15)The Paul Edis Sextet served up a series of aces.
Clifford Brown's ''Joy Spring'' set the tone for the evening; relaxed, impeccable ensemble work. ''Not Like Me'', a Paul Edis original composition, was next on the set-list. The feel of it, at times, was that of the Jazz Crusaders. Chris Hibbard's measured approach was heard to great effect on ''Black Orpheus''. This was a sensitive reading of a beautiful tune. A Graeme Wilson composition ''Up Late'' was, perhaps, the highlight of the first set. Wilson's solos are always thoughtful and inventive and on this occasion the arrangement incorporated superb harmonies from his frontline partners Hardy & Hibbard.
The first set having been wrapped up, the players eschewed the traditional tennis players' refreshment of Robinson's Barley Water in favour of Theakston's Best Bitter (it is a little known fact that Theakston's has isotonic properties essential for the gigging jazz athlete).
The second set began with the band maintaining its form, despatching winners from every angle. Juan Tizol's ''Caravan'' was the perfect vehicle for trumpet ace Graham Hardy to deliver a volley of winning notes. Edis introduced a Donald Brown tune and in so doing gently chided the proprietor of this blog (Mr.L.Liddle) for not permitting any further entries into the Discs to Die For library of the classic ''Kind of Blue'' . Mr.Liddle was, I believe, across town at that other modernist's hangout; Take It To The Bridge @ The Chillingham.
The proceedings drew to a close with another Edis tune ''Angular''. Having heard this number in trio format as a blistering workout, tonight's offering was a less driven effort, but no less effective.
Game, set and match to the Paul Edis Sextet.
Russell.
Thanks for the report Russell. It was a shame the choice had to be made between this or Alan Glen Trio. Hopefully there won't be too many more clashes like this.
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