And so to the second set. Free into Edinburgh, a tune written by guitarist Aubin Vanns, was in the pad the last time the band made it to Newcastle and it was good to hear it again. For one so young Vanns is a most accomplished musician. An intro recalling the majestic playing of Martin Taylor gave little indication of what was to come. Matt Anderson’s tenor work evolved into an intense, yet restrained, post Coltrane sound freeing Vanns to construct yet another immaculate solo. Anderson’s Sfumato (inspired by Leonardo da Vinci) featured first the composer, then Vanns, followed by the superb drummer Sam Gardener. A standard – Moanin’ – was a real surprise. The Blakey drive, press rolls and all were stripped out. Which one of them would take on Lee Morgan’s killer intro? Ha! None of them. This was the coolest deconstruction of one of the great tunes. I don’t know…a young quartet daring to play as they did, secure in their abilities, trusting of one another, a collective sense of time (check out Sam Gardener) – what a band!
A couple of Anderson originals – The Frozen Ocean and The Song Thief - closed out the set. Bassist John Marley featured on the penultimate number and the last tune of the night highlighted the beautifully modulated work of tenor and guitar. The boys return to the Bridge next month working in a seven piece band led by the fantastic vocalist Kate Peters. Whatever is on the telly that night forget it (record it if you must), you can listen to your Charlie Parker CDs some other time, just make sure you get to the Bridge Hotel on Sunday 10 June to hear the Kate Peters Septet.
Moanin'
Moanin'
Russell
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