Saxophone quartet: baritone, Juan Carlos; tenor, Julio; alto, Benotti; soprano, Claudio. Don’t know where they got the Spanish names from as they were all local lads, but the group’s name should strike a chord with many North-East musicians: “sans gain” = without profit! Shame if it’s true ‘cos they were great!
I always enjoy reviewing Cherry Tree gigs: great music and fantastic food. So tonight’s offering at the camp-site – “Soirée Jazz et Sardines Grillées” was a must! We were not disappointed.
When the saxophone quartet launched into their first number (something ragtime, I think – nothing was announced, nothing was mic’d) the sardines, fresh from a fishmonger’s van, were sizzling on the grills and potatoes were frying with garlic and parsley. Simple, fresh food, in the open air, with local wine flowing and an enthusiastic crowd…..what an atmosphere!
OK, it wasn’t all jazz – they did a great Blues Brothers’ “Everybody…” and “Rawhide” popped up somewhere in a medley and then there was the one which sounded a bit like “When I’m 64” (but wasn’t!). They also did (in no particular order) a few Joplin-esque numbers and “Sentimental Journey” and “Ain’t She Sweet?” and “Minnie the Moocher” (with everyone singing along) and a stomping version of “Take Five”. Formidable! (Merci bien, guys si vous lisez ceci!!)
The French really love their live music: this is a small, inland site and we have live jazz! And when it came to disco time, after the eating was done, the crowd demanded (and got) more from the live musicians and the DJ was left twiddling his thumbs for ten minutes before the band stepped down to loud applause. Interestingly, the demand was “un autre, un autre!”, as opposed to “encore!” Vive la difference!
Jerry E.
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