The Schmazz/Jazz North East co-promotion at the Cluny on Tuesday night (21st October) opened with three members of the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra a.k.a. "BMW" - George Burt (guitar), Raymond MacDonald (alto & soprano) and Tyneside resident Graeme Wilson (tenor and baritone).
Performing in duo and trio format it was Wilson who laid the foundation for solo excursions from Burt, very much his own man with a nod to Derek Bailey and, at times, a playful country twang! Raymond MacDonald exhibited great technical facility; his passages of fierce blowing impressed the attentive audience.
The second course offered Pat Thomas (piano) and Steve Williamson (tenor). Thomas, a regular visitor to the north east, challenged his musical partner to think on his feet as a torrent of ideas cascaded from the keyboard. Williamson, last heard on Tyneside many years ago, blew for all his worth. He hung on in there as best he could as Thomas delivered a masterclass in piano playing. Improvisation? Certainly, but so much more, with everything from walking bass-lines, stride, Ellington, Monk, Cecil Taylor hammer blows and Debussy-like sketches. "Round Midnight" featured, fleetingly, as the duo went about deconstructing the tune. - I'm not sure if they reassembled it.
It didn't matter. Smiles all round. Great applause. If you haven't yet heard Pat Thomas then the next time he turns up make sure you do that...turn up.
You won't be disappointed.
Russell.
1 comment :
Total agreement. Fantastic pianist.
He does it all - plus more!
Roly
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