Extreme Pleasure from Extreme Measures - Splinter @ The Bridge

David Carnegie (dms), Gary Turner (ten), Mark Williams (gtr), Stuart Davies (bs/gtr), Stu Collingwood (keys). (Photo courtesy of Adrian Tilbrook)

I'm beginning to run out of superlatives for this band - with every gig they take a giant step forward both individually and as a unit.

Gary Turner, master of the art of taking a solo from gentle, exploratory, reflective beginnings to frenzied appasionata completion, drew Russell to make comparisons with Michael Brecker and that's not a bad place to be. However, as well as Brecker there's a lot of Turner in there too.

Mark Williams has similar solo building qualities. Whether coaxing his guitar to gently weep or going off on a demonic thrash it is all done with cool, laid back, aplomb. The pub could be burning down but Mark would see his solo out before leaving - probably before noticing! Come to think of it there were plenty moments when his playing did light the blue touch-paper.

Since joining the band, Stu Collingwood has gone from strength to strength. Norman, sitting next to me, commented on his melodic input that at times made an appealing contrast to the surrounds. Stu's solos and intros make full use of the Roland's '88'.

Stuart Davies, rock solid in support, eschews the limelight and the flamboyancy for sound, feet on the ground, control. When he does solo though...

This just leaves drummer and leader David Carnegie. Whether playing the gas-book with Alan Glen, contemporary modern with Claude Werner (see last Sunday's gig) or driving this band, David gives 100% - superb.

Truth is, they all give 100% yet surprisingly and pleasurably, the total comes out at much more than 500!

This is music that defies statistics - just enjoy it as the well attended upper room did.

Lance.