Mark Williams Trio @ The Bridge. October 28

Mark Williams (guitar), Andy Champion (electric bass) & Richard Brown (drums)

Guitarist Mark Williams played at the Splinter summer season finale. On that occasion he opened his set with a solo guitar piece of which Joe Pass or Martin Taylor would have been proud. This latest outing began with the Irishman digging the blues. Two bars in and it hit home…1980s Jimmy Witherspoon at the Corner House – Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You? Had Williams been on the gig back then Spoon would surely have said: Give the man a hand! A magical start to the evening. Williams called to the stand regular drummer Richard Brown and depping bassist Andy Champion. The trio had a blast. Familiar tunes, a new tune ‘written this morning’ according to Williams, cranked-up numbers, a ballad, a waltz (Weird Waltz), a blues (Booze Blues). Funk, swing, Michael Brecker, Scofield, a McLaughlin chord, Champion’s five string walking bass lines, Champion’s chops-busting solos, Brown’s spot-on drumming – the gig chalked up five stars. ‘Play some blues’ exclaimed a voice three sheets to the wind. Williams played Filth – a filthy blues. One way or another that is what Williams played all night long. Williams took the time to announce next week’s gig – ACV. He said he may well turn up. I hope he does…he’s in the band! The set drew to a close with the monster Minor Detail. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Russell