Barry Green (pno), Mark Hodgson (bs), Eddie Hick (dms) + Cleveland Watkiss, Norma Winstone, John Turville, Asif Sirkis, Nia Lynn, Derek Nash, Gary Husband, Perry Louis...
This was one of those nights you dream about and feel privileged to be there. The Pizza Jazz Awards attracted a host of influential jazz people - plus myself! Bebop Spoken Here was in town.
Although everyone appeared to know one another I nevertheless felt immediately at home when a voice, full of passion and wanting, (okay, I exaggerate she said 'Hi Lance') called out to me - Sarah Ellen Hughes, on review duty for LondonJazz.
The evening was to decree the vocalist worthy of the award - Norma Winstone and Cleveland Watkiss shared that particular kudos - and which instrumentalist got the nod? - pianist John Turville.
The two vocal winners duetted on Blue Monk.
There were also some poetry awards but, fortunately, the two idioms didn't intermingle on the stand.
Earlier (or was it later?), Cleve had sung No Moon At All and Norma did the business better than anyone on Joyspring. It crossed my mind that any of the lyricists of any of the songs would have swept the board in the poetry awards!
Barry Green played fine piano ably supported by Mark Hodgson and Eddie Hick - I'll Remember April, Green Dolphin Street were but two. Asif Sircus sat in on drums - a proper kit! whilst Perry Louis did some hoofin'. A great dancer but on a carpet? Nia Lynn sang It Could Happen To You. Can't remember all the highlights - too much hospitality - but one number hit the spot. Fini Bearman (not Norma!) singing I've Never Been In Love Before. Terrific! Derek Nash blew an alto solo that surely would be in running for the most melodic solo of the year - and the swingiest! The bar had been well and truly raised!
John Turville, as befitting his newly crowned status, played some good standard fare and there were other moments but - by this time I was ready to dissolve - it had been a long day but - nice to meet Yots and Simon Hipkins who sent me some superb photos, including the above one of Derek Nash, after my own machine finally gave up its life of elastic bands and blue tack.
To find out more about the multi-talented Simon visit http://www.simonhipkins.com/
Totally wasted I returned to the sanctity of Room 504 - I kid you not - why doesn't anyone sing that song anymore?.
More photos courtesy of Simon Hipkins. - and more...
Lance
Lance, great to see you last night! I believe that the lyrics Norma sang on Joy Spring were her own - so maybe she should have left with two awards!!
ReplyDeleteYou credited the terrific performance of I've never been in love before to Norma, but it was in fact nominee Fini Bearman.
I'm still hoping to see you tomorrow evening at the Bull's Head... no free wine or pizza though I'm afraid!
Sarah .x
Thank you for that correction - it was getting late and I was beginning to wilt.
ReplyDeleteHave a great night tomorrow - not making promises though...
Hi Lance
ReplyDeleteA canny line-up! Three of them are heading 'Up North East' in the coming weeks. Mark Hodgson can be heard with Killer Shrimp at Newcastle's Corner House, Eddie Hick will be with Gilad Atzmon in Hexham (Queen's Hall) and Newcastle (The Cluny) and you can get two servings of Asaf Sirkis at the Sage in Gateshead (Art of Sound and Asaf's own trio in a double bill)
Russell