Kit Downes (piano), Calum Gourlay (double bass), James
Maddren (drums), James Allsopp (tenor saxophone, clarinet & bass clarinet)
& Lucy Railton (cello)
Bebop Spoken Here’s Hoochie Coochie Man chose to give the Lit & Phil a miss. Had he
turned-up at Kit Downes’ gig he would have had to stand at the back of the room
– it was busy! I can allay fears of the music heading in a direction other than
some jazzers would wish. If you like the MJQ, if you like it acoustic, the Lit
& Phil was the place to be! Pianist Downes began by saying how nice it was
to be able to play an acoustic session in a place like the Lit & Phil.
James Allsopp’s bass clarinet playing surprised many – as swinging and bluesy
as you could wish to hear. – and he was no slouch on clarinet and tenor sax!
Talented is the word. Bass and drums were as secure as could be; Calum Gourlay
(an in demand bass player – Tommy Smith, Colin Steele) and drummer James
Maddren were impeccable throughout. Maddren’s touch is quite something – a
first call player, no question about it. The addition of cello worked well.
Lucy Railton played it straight ahead and occasionally ‘out’. Fear not, this
was nothing to frighten the horses corralled up the road at the Hoochie Coochie
ranch. Indeed Downes’ inclusion of Schubert lieder worked wonderfully. So, two
sets of exemplary acoustic jazz, a full room and all CDs on sale found new
homes. Who said jazz isn’t like it used to be? Is the Lit & Phil the new
Corner House? Whatever, this was a good night.
Russell
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