Scott Adair (dms), Steve Whitfield (kbds).------------------------
Dave Weisser (tpt/vcl), Paul Gowland (ten), Barry Ascroft (pno), Mick Danby (bs), Stuart Davies (gtr), Steve Wight (dms) + Harley Johnson (pno).
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There is never a dull moment at the Chilli these days - not that there ever has been - and tonight was no exception.
I've known Scott Adair for many years but Steve Whitfield was a new name to me - a name I'll remember!
Modern technology plays a big part in Steve's arsenal of effects yet he rarely uses effects for effects sake. Even the breath controller dangling around his neck was only used once - just enough to arouse curiosity.
But it was the straight down the middle stuff that scored. Pieces by Chuck Mangione, The Yellowjackets, George Benson all came over with a funky feel enhanced by various instrumental voices used in combination. Not that it was all funk - Liz, I'm sure would have travelled up from York had she known that Steve was going to play such a 'dewy-eyed' version of "My One and Only Love"!
For the penultimate number, Dave, with Stuart Davies added to the line-up, sang James Ingram's "Just Once" - this was pure soul! Nice one Dave.
The set closed with Basie's "Swingin' The Blues" - it jumped. Scotty kicked in with a punchy solo that rubber-stamped his credentials. It has to be said that Scotty's timing and the empathy with Steve never faltered. Come back soon guys and thanks for mentioning "Bebop Spoken Here".
Before and after, the Take it to the Bridge gang had their own moments on "Solar", "Wave" and "Stella by Starlight." Paul, as ever, shooting for the moon and reaching the stars, last minute dep Steve Wight driving them along, Stuart Davies, Mick Danby, and Barry Ascroft all soloing and comping effectively.
The final blast on "Blues For Duane" with birthday boy Harley sitting in made for a great finish.
Dave as ever was his usual self both playing, singing and keeping noisy miscreants in check.
Next week Budvivar.
Lance.
4 comments :
I knew Scotty when I was younger working in a nightclub. I used to keep asking his band if I could get up and and sing with them in between working as a waitress. I'm so glad to hear he is still involved with music. Val.
Hi Lance
Good to see you last night and thank you for listening and your kind comments re Steve and myself.
Keep up the good work you do for the Jazz scene up here. Fantastic!
Scott
Scotty....good to hear about you......Long time..........X Mal Maddock
Nice to see Scottie again, brings back happy memories of West Denton with Sid Warren, Kay, Colin and Derek. Might see you again when I'm back in UK, Regards, Ray Harley
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