Charles Gayle & Han Bennink played to a capacity audience at the Lit & Phil in Newcastle. Afterwards, as the audience wandered off into the night, stage lights were dimmed, chairs stacked and an assortment of cables and lights dismantled, Charles Gayle, a quiet man of proud bearing, sat down at the piano oblivious to the few barflies hanging around chatting over one last drink. The American visitor picked out a few chords, humming quietly to himself. What a Friend We Have in Jesus was the tune.
The chatting ceased. The Lit & Phil's staff stood still, others returned to the music room and took a seat. This was a musician playing for himself. Stride piano, a blues, then Someday My Prince Will Come. You could hear a pin drop. Some bop phrases followed and developed into Miles' Four. That was it. Gayle stopped, satisfied with his practice. Cue a round of applause. Gayle looked round, shocked to see people listening to his playing. I didn't know anyone was there. I thought you'd all gone home said Gayle. It's such a privilege to be able to sit and play such a good piano he said.Anyway, I don't know any more tunes. He closed the lid, stood up and walked away. As someone remarked afterwards this impromptu performance was, in its self, worth the admission money. Agreed.
Russell.
PS: A review of the actual gig will follow.
This is worth its weight Russell!!
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