Take It To The Bridge

I'm never quite certain whether Dave Weisser is a trumpet player who sings or a singer who plays trumpet. Whatever, he does both with enthusiasm and dedication and a degree of restraint. Restraint isn't part of tenorist Ian Trewella's make-up; he goes for the jugular every time. When it gels they make a good frontline; when it doesn't...

It gelled tonight at the Chillingham Arms on "Straight No Chaser", "Airegin" and an original by pianist Barry Ascroft called, I think, "Sam Marguil" inspiration, we're told, from a Caribbean cruise and, perhaps, a bottle or two of San Miguel.

It didn't quite get there on "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" not least because Ian's sax had taken note of the title and surrendered unconditionally. Superglue and elastic bands were called upon to make it better.

As well as the residents there were the usual plethora of sitters-in including Deborah who scatted and Stomped at the Savoy, another tenor player, and a fine triumverate of guitarists in the form of Alex, who also scatted - on a waltz no less - David, and Daniel.

All in all, the best quidsworth in town!