Gerry Richardson's Big Idea gave a very polished performance at Newcastle College last night. This was my first concert at the performing arts theatre and the acoustics were really good. Sometimes organ led bands can be dominated by the organist. Not so with Gerry's band - everyone had space for excellent solo work. Only one small complaint - too many lighting changes.John.
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Russell says:
First of all I agree with John's small complaint; the lighting was hopeless. The brass section was amused!
So to the gig. Gerry wheeled-out the juggernaut that is the Hammond B3 and warmed-up the valves nicely with old favourite "Stone Church". Rod Sinclair featured on "Blues for Big Red" followed by the human metronome that is Paul Smith on the first of two African tunes. A better drummer there ain't for this band, simple as that.
The first set concluded with a smokin' take on "Take the Tee Train".
The second half featured a Ray Charles medley; Gerry asked the audience to imagine the boys in the band as the Raelettes. A vivid imagination was called for! That said, Sue Ferris could no doubt make a go of it. On second thoughts Sue is better deployed in her present role; that of bringing superb flute, tenor and baritone sax playing to the session. A marvellous flautist, a tough tenor and tamer of the beast that is the baritone sax.
Stuart Johnson offered some blistering soprano sax (he deserves to be heard more). Last but by no means least, the man himself (GR) is a generous band-leader (solos all round), a singer in the Mose Allison/Georgie Fame mould (perhaps an acquired taste - I for one enjoy it) and no mean Hammond player!
A Great Idea is the Big Idea. Another great idea would be to catch the band on its next Newcastle outing at the Corner House, February 5th next year.
Russell.
(Gerry Richardson Hammond Organ & Vocals.
Mark Webb, Dave Hignett trumpets.
Gary Linsley, Stuart Johnson, Sue Ferris saxophones.
Keith Norris trombone. Rod Sinclair guitar. Paul Smith drums.)
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