Dave Weisser (tpt/vcl), Doug Fielder (ten), Matt Office (gtr), Barrie Ascroft (bs), Eric Stutt (dms). + Andy Lee (alt/flt), Wilson ? (pno).Life is seen in all its many aspects at the Chilli. This is the Naked City with a thousand stories bubbling below and above the surface.
I sensed it was going to be different tonight when Harley emailed me to say to tell Dave he couldn't make the gig - maybe food poisoning. Had a rival pianist slipped some toxic substance into his Rusks?
The rich pattern of urban life unfolded in the bar. Wall to wall football fans screaming and cheering as two teams from Manchester, City and United, (this is in Newcastle remember) endeavoured to "sportingly" cut each other on the pitch - sax players do it so much better - Wardell & Dexter, Gene & Sonny, Charlie (Carmichael) & Nigel (Stanger). Compared to those Premier league saxmen the Manchester boys are but Conference North.
We escaped up the stairs to the tranquillity of the jazz lounge.
The ever resourceful Dave, pre-warned of Harley's absence, had re-shuffled the pack so that Barrie played bass whilst sitting at the keyboard and young Matt Office - one of last week's Hot House Dragons - provided the chordal accompaniment on guitar. He did well considering the SNAFU situation.
Doug Fielder had once more crossed the width and breadth of the country to get here having warmed up at The Porthole earlier in the day (see previous post from Miles). I'm impressed by his commitment. I suspect we'll be hearing more from Doug.
My old Buddy Andy Lee turned up with a vintage Rudall Carte wooden flute with silver headjoint as well as his alto. After a few false starts he hit the alto jackpot on one of the Herbie Hancock's.
During the interval a guy called Wilson played solo piano. Not totally jazz it was nevertheless, impressive.
Mary didn't sing but she did win the raffle as usual!
Dave ventured into Tormé territory with a vocal on "Born to Be Blue". Mel didn't turn in his grave but if he had done it would have been to applaud.
Perhaps the highlight of the night was Dave's opening announcement.
'This tune is called "Whisper Not" and is dedicated to the two girls talking at the back.'
Subtle? no! Effective? Yes - ar least for 32 bars or so!
In the above photo what is Andy Lee (l) saying to make Dave Weisser look so surprised?
Free entry to the Chilli next week for the best answer.
Lance.
PS: For the record Manchester United won the football affair.
Andy: "Hey Dave, can you talk to me and look surprised while Lance gets a photo for a competition he is organising. The winner gets in free next week.
ReplyDeleteDave says " I am genuinely surprised, no need to pretend. You mean people pay to come in?"