ACV @ Cluny 2. February 28

Andy Champion (double bass),  Paul Edis (keyboards), Graeme Wilson (tenor & baritone saxophones), Mark Williams (guitar) & Adrian Tilbrook (drums).

New CD in the can (release date hopefully sometime soon), Andy Champion’s five piece band played a gig on home turf down in the Ouseburn for Schmazz @ The Cluny. Studio sessions behind them, the boys were in top gear from the off. 

Highlights were many, none more so than A Line Made by Walking. Guitarist Mark Williams and saxophonist Graeme Wilson appear to operate by telepathy in developing a line; Williams, then Wilson, Wilson, Williams, Williams, Wilson, then in unison. Never Ever (it is on the new CD) with an arco bass pattern also featured Williams. 

What’s For Breakfast? was playful, deceptively so, as Wilson’s baritone signalled a power surge with the band going into overdrive. Up river a half mile or so from the Cluny is a Tyneside landmark linking a beer drinker’s paradise –  The Crown Posada – via seemingly endless, steep stone steps to another beer drinker’s paradise – The Bridge Hotel. Locally this Bacchanalian Stairway to Drinker’s Heaven is known as Dog Leap Stairs. Bandleader Champion likes a half of shandy now and again so he thought it a good idea to write a tune and call it Dog Leap Stairs. On the evidence of this first public airing of the tune it could become a firm favourite (Wilson on baritone and guitarist Williams once more impressed a most receptive audience). Oh, yes – the tune is on the new, hopefully soon to be released CD.  

A new tune – Second Season – let those who didn’t know it that Graeme Wilson is a fine lyrical tenor player. He could have been playing for vocalist Ruth Lambert (they have worked together for years) or perhaps Zoe Gilby such was the delicacy. More familiar ACV material followed – Giant Mice (forever more in cyberspace folklore - checkout Dancing Dude on YouTube) and another beer related number Dust Red (checkout the excellent Consett Brewery) featured a bass solo and Wilson’s tenor. Paul Edis (keyboards), the quiet man of the quintet is always impressive whatever the context and   here at the Cluny was no different. The man at the back – Adrian Tilbrook – looked like he was enjoying the occasion  and the encore (Without Bones) has become something of a tradition. 

If you haven’t heard the band play this number then get along to one of their gigs asap. It is difficult to convey just how good it is. Drums, guitar, tenor, bass, keys – all play their socks off. If you’re within a hundred miles of Leeds on Thursday night do yourself a favour and get along to Spin Off. It just so happens ACV will be there.
Above photo courtesy of Adrian Tilbrook.

Russell