Dave Weisser (tpt/vcl), Nicola (alt), Robin Douthwaite (gtr), Barry Ashcroft (pno), Mick Danby (bs), Eric Stutt or Ian Forbes (dms).-----
Lots of excellent happenings at the Chilli tonight. The band got it all together and just about everything gelled with Dave's chops and his vocal chords in good working order; both were heard to advantage on Freddie Hubbard's "Blues For Duane". Mick Danby's bass guitar blast on "All of Me" knocked everyone out whilst Robin Douthwaite, making his Chillingham debut, played some tasty chords and soloed melodically.
Nicola "The Sax" featured prominently on "Misty" and didn't sound too far removed from Johnny Hodges - what more could one ask?
On keyboard, Barry has his own distinctive sound which he obviously prefers but I'd love to hear him use the straight piano setting. As always, he had a few bites at the cherry.
Eric and Ian kept the drumseat warm and the cymbals sizzling.
As befits any self-respecting gig, the best number was saved till last. In this case it was the calypsonic rhythms of "St Thomas" that brought things to a close.
Everyone played out of their skulls on the Sonny Rollins classic with Ian Forbes, who'd handed the drum duties back to Eric, adding some additional percussion by banging a couple of empty bottles together. It was effective and done without breaking many bottles.
A boisterous group of students added to the ambience and scored brownie points by requesting the Coltrane version of "My Favourite Things". There is hope for the world yet!
Next week promises to be rather special with the ALAN GLEN TRIO doing a bebop set - berets, goatee beards and shades are optional.
Lance
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