Budvivar: Debra Milne (vcl), Stuart Findon (ten/vcl), Fiona Littlewood (ten/vcl), Nicola Weaver (alt/vcl), Chris Finch (pno), Jim Crinson (bs), Eric Stutt (dms).Take it to the Bridge: Dave Weisser (tpt/vcl), Doug Fielder (ten), Barrie Ascroft (pno), Mathew Office (gtr),Jim Crinson (bs), Eric Stutt (dms).
Budvivar just get better and better. New numbers, new routines, co-ordination - you could take them anywhere - they're musically house-trained.
The hour long set, unfolded before an intimate audience - no, that's not right you need two to be intimate (joke) - was possibly the best I've heard from them yet even though the saxes were slightly undermiked.
Nicola, on alto as opposed to bari, had some juicy solos and, as her familiarity with the book grows, expect even more from the good doctor. The lady even chipped in with some vocal harmony alongside Fiona and Stuart on the backing vocal to Centrepiece. It didn't quite have the edge on last weeks Ian Shaw/Emma Smith vocal at the Spice but it was in the same ballpark.
There were a few other unexpected vocal moments tonight. Apart from Debra's immaculate conceptions of Four, Fine and Mellow, Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You, Nica's Dream, Love Me or Leave Me and Louis Jordan's Daddy-o where Stuart took the part of Mammy-o, their was also my old favourite Hit That Jive Jack.
Instrumentally the solos were great and the sax intro to Love Me Or Leave me was something else but the non-vocal side was heard to absolute perfection on the opening Oleo. Should also mention Chris who played fine piano throughout.
Jim and Eric made sure it swung and it did!
Earlier, the resident Take it to the Bridge crew had moments to reflect on in Solar, Wave, Alice in Wonderland and Killer Joe among others and later finished off the night with, after some deliberation, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy. This was Eric's last session with Dave and the boys we wish him well.
Lance.
PS: Where's Harley Johnson these days?
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