Paul Edis (pno), Mick Shoulder (bs), Rob Walker (dms), Graeme Wilson (ten).
It was a year ago that owner Peter Wardle decided to feature Monday night Jazz Concerts at the popular Osborne Road eaterie. The first concert featured saxist Graeme Wilson with the Paul Edis Trio so it was appropriate that the same group should perform on this the first anniversary of the ongoing experiment.
I'd like to say that this momentous occasion was rewarded with a capacity crowd but, sadly, it was one of the Cherry Tree's very rare quiet nights. The sort of night that inspired those Ronnie Scott chestnuts we've all heard - The chucker-out was chucking 'em in or The band was playing Tea For One.
Not that this distracted from the quality of the food or the music - both were produced by masters of their craft. The trio opened up with The Touch of Your Lips whilst I opted for Truffled Brie de Meux, Purple Figs and Celeriac Remoulade. After that delicacy had touched my lips it seemed like the perfect blend of tune and taste.
Graeme came aboard for Isn't It Romantic? which began life in a 1932 Maurice Chevalier movie - Love Me Tonight so that when the waitress asked me if I would like mustard with my Bavette Steak Frites and Garden Leaves what else could I say but mai oui la moutarde Dijon s'il vous plait bonnie lass.
Graeme was in Stan Getz mode tonight cruising beautifully through the changes - he really is one versatile tenor player.
Meditation, one of my favourite bossas, - I love the last four bars of the melody which tonight gave Paul scope for some interesting inversions before going into his solo.
The set concluded with a fast Donna Lee that was arguably Graeme's best salvo of the night. Chorus after chorus - fired relentlessly from his brain to his fingers to his sax to the world.
Like the Greengage Tart with Candied Lemon Ice Cream I wanted it never to end.
More from the boys in the second set with happy birthdays abounding, including Paul's parents, before getting down to the more demanding You and the Night and the Music, I Guess I'll Have to Change my Plan, My Heart Stood Still and the final Walkin'.
It had been a cracking night with Paul, Mick and Rob ensuring that Graeme was kept afloat.
Lance.
PS: and thanks to Jerry for the photos.
The more I read about this delightful restaurant the more the appeal. The selection of courses is absolutly first class, food put together with imagination and enthusiasm, & then there's the music of course! you do a great job of spreading the news Lance!
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