Alan Glen (pno), John Pope (bs), David Carnegie (dms).
Dave Weisser (tpt/vcl), Barrie Ascroft (pno), Jim Crinson (bs), Eric Stutt (dms) + Harley Johnson (pno), Chris Finch (pno).
Once again Alan Glen, ably abetted by David Carnegie and John Pope, hit the spot as they laid down their marker on numbers such as "If I Should Lose You", "I Hear a Rhapsody", "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To", a version of "Easy Living" that was so evocative it was almost erotic!
"I Thought About You" - always a fave of mine - was given an unusual semi rock/latin rhythm that seemed to work.
As we have come to expect from Alan a couple of Bud Powellish boppers - "Bud's Bubble" and a one whose name escapes me. They swung like the proverbial.
Throughout, John Pope's bass playing was rocklike in ensemble yet full of subtle humour in his solos. His prowess continues to grow - he's a contender.
On drums, David, the undefeated champ, drove the trio forward - his inevitable workout at the end proving he had technique to spare.
For an encore - "Blue Monk".
As good a set as any Alan has laid down over the past year or so.
Earlier, Dave W - filling out a Miles Davis tee shirt that was lovingly created by partner Judith and daughter ? for his big 70 opened up with a powerful vocal on "On Green Dolphin Street" This was so gutsy it could have been re-titled "Down Green Dolphin Alley". "Five Brothers" swung along and I was delighted to hear "Some Time Ago" again. This is the waltz I heard - not so long ago - Frank Brooker and Dave Cliff play at Blaydon last week. Dave very thoughtfully dug it out of his pad so I could hear it again. thank you Dave. The set closed with "Whisper Not" and "Stella By Starlight".
After Alan's set, Harley sat in for a wild "Well You Needn't" - I hope he didn't fire that at the Blue Peter crowd! (Watch out for it in December.) It rocked it swung it was Monastic to the extreme. Eric had a brilliant exchange and Jim kept it all within the bounds of sanity.
Chris took over on "All The Things You Are" - not the best tune to be hit with in an unfamiliar key but he coped manfully.
If you examine the photo you'll gasp and then marvel at its rarity - Dave blowing unmuted!
The evening finished off with an over extended version of "Wave".
Pleased to see some new faces in the audience.
Lance.
PS: Dave's birthday coincided with that of Art Blakey so a belated many happy returns Dave.
3 comments :
Lance
That tune that reminded you of Bud Powell was 'Woody N You'.
Thanks Harley.
Yes - I thought the choice of standards throughout was good. I enjoyed the rarer gems (rarer to me anyway) "Five Brothers", "Some Time Ago" and "Bud's Bubble".
The night was made even sweeter by winning one of Dave's quality bootleg records.
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