Double Knockout @ The Bridge!

Legohead: (right) Lloyd Wright (gtr), David Francis (dms), Jon Proud (bs).

HCW: (left) Edd Carr (gtr), John Hirst (dms), Christos Worsley (bs).

The first Sunday evening jazz gig at the Bridge went off with a bang despite some early teething problems with amps, speakers, lights etc. which meant that the advertised 7:30 pm start seemed to be 'light years' away when John Hirst unleashed HCW's opener on the crowded room (yes the room was crowded!)

I didn't mind the delay as I was in the congenial company of Budvivar's Fiona and Chilli regular Norman Redhead - who is slowly but surely making a visual comeback.

I liked HCW when I first heard them at the Side Café, enjoyed them even more at last week's Jazzathon and today they appeared to be even tighter again.

John Hirst is an imaginative drummer; his approach is at times almost melodic and he has no shortage of technique.

Edd Carr sometimes strays further into the rock end of the jazz/rock genre than some people might prefer but I find he balances the equation very effectively.

On bass, Christos Worsley, laid back and relaxed, gets a really good sound and helps to make the balance just right.

One thing I like about Christos, apart from his playing is the fact that I usually have some chat with his dad (or is it his granda - maybe even his great grandf... sorry only joking) Johhny Worth aka Worsley aka Les Vandyke has had a long career in showbiz as singer/songwriter and is always entertaining company.

I digress. HCW did good.

David Francis I knew from Alter Ego, Jon Proud and Lloyd Wright I didn't know.

I know now.

Lloyd Wright is quite an incredible player. He is up there with them for technique and ideas. He also writes interesting tunes.

The outstanding moment for me, and for Roly too I guess was an original called "Getaway Driver". If ever an instrumental lived up to its title this was it. Dazzling runs in and around every inch of the fretboard of the Strat, sudden brief rests, explosive starts - this was a souped-up Pontiac burning up the Freeway.

It brought to my mind that legendary Alvin Lee solo at Woodstock but Roly, more guitar savvy than me, equated it to Brecker's Mike Stern. Whatever it was one helluva blast.

David on drums handled the sometimes awkward breaks superbly and soloed well. Jon Proud played good bass with a touch of humour in his Jingle Bell's quote. Everybody's quoting it this season.

Great night and so pleased to see such a good turnout.

Lance.