Killer Shrimp at Corner House

When a band monickerises itself as 'Killer Shrimp' the odds are maybe 12 to 7 against them drawing their material from the Great American Songbook. However, they did play recognisable versions of 'Star Eyes' and 'Stella By Starlight' which more than made up for their late start. This was music to the north of contemporary post hard bop, and tenor player Ed Jones swung his ass off with some fine extended solos - some may say over extended solos but when you're on a winning streak... Damon Brown played flugel exclusively and proved that the instruments mellow sound need not be confined to ballads. Ben Hazelton (bs) and Troy Miller (dms) did the business in the engine room; the bass player shouldering the harmonic responsibility, so essential in a piano/guitarless rhythm section, with ease although it has to be said that the gig would have started and finished a lot sooner if the already late drummer had spent more time setting up his drums and less time talking on his mobile. Still, overall, a minor quibble for one of the tastier curate's eggs.