Dave Weisser (tpt/vcl), Barrie Ascroft (pno), Jim Crinson (bs), Eric Stutt (dms).
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Harley Johnson (pno), Jim Crinson (bs), Eric Stutt (dms.)
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Dave, Barrie, Eric + Willie Angus (bs), Judith (vln), Matt (gtr).
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Tonight came pdc to being my gig of the year! Harley (pic. left), undeterred by the limited exposure on Blue Peter, took his gentle aggression out on the Duke Ellington songbook giving his unique interpretaions of such Ducal classics as "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart", "Sophisticated Lady", "C Jam Blues" - with quite an incredible intro and theme - "I Got It Bad" and "Take The A Train" - I may have overlooked a couple.
This was Duke meets Monk on neutral ground with Harley stage managing the end result which was pure Harley. What got me was that by the end of the first tune my pulse rate had gone up several notches as he made the Ellington songbook his own. Not only that but the obvious enjoyment he gets from playing is infectious and transmits itself not just to the audience but to his fellow musicians.
Harley seems to bring something extra out of Eric and his game is raised. Less flambuoyant, Jim kept track of the changes beautifully although a little more volume wouldn't have gone amiss.
A great set that just floated by.
Earlier, Dave and the gang of four did Duke Pearson's "The Chant", "Good Bait", he sang "Invitation" and "God Bless The Child" and blew a mix of muted and open horn throughout.
For the jam, Judith played violin, Matt, a talented youngster, played guitar and Willie Angus did the business on fretless.
Coming after Harley's explosive "A Train", "You go to my Head was a little prolonged albeit with nice solos allround. The final Blues in F (Blues for Duane) saw Judith cut loose with a fiery chorus or two that set a high benchmark for the guys.
It was a magical night - just so much going on musically the place should have been packed. It wasn't but whoever wasn't there, and it's a long list, must surely relate to Henry V's speech on the eve of Agincourt...
...And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day." (William Shakespeare).
Lance.
PS: NEXT WEEK's NEWS - "Hot House Dragons" will be doing the guest spot next Wednesday with Take It To The Bridge. You've already heard some of them last night, as this is the project of Willie Angus, who plays guitar in this band, and Judith on violin, along with Matt, whom you also heard on guitar last night. They also bring along a double-bass player, whose name escapes me, and the ambience is sorta "Hot Club Of France" vibe.
Dave.
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