Scarborough Jazz Festival - Friday

Picked up Eric at Washington then off we went down the A19 heading for the Yorkshire coast.

Eric, a veteran of many Appleby's had yet to experience Scarborough. The journey flew by as we listened to Freddy Hubbard just to sort of get us in a jazzy mood as if we needed anything!

We missed out on the John Turville Trio but caught "If Destroyed Still True". A young band of flawless technicians playing in the current vogue of funkiness. In particular pianist Jonny Tomlinson shone with an almost classical approach to his solos. A good start to the festival.

Ryan Quigley. We'd heard him a couple of months back at Corner House so knew he would be good and we weren't disappointed. There were two surprizes - Not a quartet as advertised but a sextet with the Pauls, Booth and Towndrow, on tenor and alto and a big plus - Brian Kellock on piano. If the weekend doesn't get any better than this I'll go home happy even though these first gigs were free courtesy of Jazz Services.

Quig's is simply the finest trumpet player I have heard for many a generation. His "Embraceable You" - acc. only by Kellock was trememendous. He plays with a fullness of tone throughout the registers and I speak very much in the plural - he soars effortlessly among the Gods. The two Pauls were also on fire reaching and passing the heights of mere mortals.

Wow! sums it up.

Opening band at the evening session was Kyle Eastwood Band. More funk with son of Dirty Harry playing some decent bass. If the sound of Ryan Quigley hadn't still been ringing in my ears I'd have been more enthusiastic. Just a little bland but still a very listenable set.

Mike Janisch Quintet played an identical program to last Saturday at Live Theatre even down to the jokes. Needless to say what I said then applies now and they were superb with Paul Booth yet again on form. Paul, with more appearances to come, may yet be the star of the weekend.

Dave O'Higgins 7 + Jazzcotech Dancers. A groove based set with perhaps the best ensemble sound so far. They were supplemented by three dancers who were excellent although, performing at the side of the stage, it needed the big screens to properly appreciate them.

An outstanding first day and more to come. Pictures .

Lance.