Jim Birkett with the Paul Edis Trio at the Cherrytree. October 17.

James Birkett (gtr); Paul Edis (pno/fl/clt); Mick Shoulder (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms).

Responding to the exhortations of local jazz bloggers, over the last few months I've been trying to get to as many gigs as possible. I have to say it's been a very positive experience and during this time I've been struck by the diversity of venues, the quantity of good jazz that is on offer and the quality of the musicians and singers. What is also striking is the versatility of these musicians and their ability to adapt to a variety of different musical styles and band formats. This was again demonstrated by the session at the Cherry Tree on Monday night.

The opening of the Cherry Tree as a jazz venue a few years ago was a particular bonus as not only was it just up the road from our house but to be able to have a nice glass of wine and a good meal while listening to quality jazz (in the midst of a cultural wasteland based on vertical drinking) seemed too good to be true. So, we have been quite regular visitors.

Last Monday night's session with Jim Birkett and the Paul Edis Trio was a real pleasure. I last heard Paul play an incredible 40 minute improvised piece with Lewis Watson at the Jazzathon at the Lit and Phil and before that heard the trio match visiting US saxophonist Greg Abate solo for solo at the Corner House. Now here, in front of what is best described as a select audience (Paul as MC described it as an 'intimate' evening'), the group played beautifully balanced sets of constantly musically interesting standards, and, if I heard correctly, at least one original composition. Paul was in 'consecutive' Roland Kirk mode, playing clarinet and flute, as well as piano, which I hadn't heard him do before and this matched very well with Jim's fine guitar playing. One flute and guitar tune drew shouts of appreciation from the audience. Now if Paul ever gets to play all three instruments together, that's going to be pretty impressive.

As usual, I could whistle the tunes after I heard the first four bars but could only identify a few titles. However, the rendition of Stella by Starlight was very nice and led to some discussion about other possible song titles involving Latin names and types of light. We came up with Luna by Moonlight and Aqua by Floodlight, but just couldn't think of any name to go with Flashlight....

A good night's jazz in a very nice setting.

JC.