Graeme Wilson (tenor &
baritone saxophones), Paul Edis (keyboards), Andy Champion (double bass) &
Adam Sinclair (drums)
(Review by Russell - photos courtesy of Graeme Wilson and Cath.)
The Head of Steam’s Central Bar
on Half Moon Lane
in Gateshead stepped into the breach when
Splinter’s regular session at the Bridge Hotel was inadvertently double booked.
The new quartet was ready to go with a set list of Wilson ’s tunes ranging from established pieces to new charts.
Searchlight Nevada spun a tale of John
Coltrane going missing in the desert; Wilson ’s
quartet didn't hide, they dug deep and found Coltrane. Trane was there all along
at the core of the music.
Offissa Pupp
(a funk groove), New Wallaw (a Voice
of the North commission) and Remara (also
heard previously in big band or Splinter Group context) illustrated the breadth
of Wilson ’s
talents as composer. The latter number featured Wilson ’s excellent tenor and Paul Edis
(keyboards).
Sycamore (a lament and a
second reference to the derelict Wallaw Cinema in Blyth) show-cased Wilson ’s cool tenor
playing and Edis’ measured response. A brace of new tunes - Toe of Fudge and Pleasureland – are sure to be heard again at future gigs (they’re
good ones) and Honolulus (the final
number of the evening) tore it up (cue Adam Sinclair’s top grade drum solo).
Catch the Graeme Wilson Quartet at a gig sometime soon – they’re a seriously
good outfit. Wilson
has another project brewing…the music of John Coltrane. When Wilson puts it on the stand it will be with a
slightly different but equally good line-up. A must for those who know
Coltrane’s music. A must for those who know Wilson ’s music. Keep checking Bebop Spoken
Here for news of where and when.
Russell
1 comment :
Graeme's such a great tenor player, you're so lucky to have him in your neck of the woods. Always really loved his sound.
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