The Allsorts @ Hoochie Coochie

Riley Stone-Lonergan (ten); Oli Cadman (keys); Pete Gavin (bs); Eirik Svela (gtr); Katie Patterson (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Canadian Katie is not just a drummer/bandleader/arranger/composer but she is also a cook - I guess. Most bands have CD's for sale but The Allsorts have kitchen aprons which also happens to be the band's uniform. I remember a Clare Teal gig where her merchandise included Tea(l) towels - I guess it takes All Sorts (boom boom)!

I'd been looking forward to hearing Russ Henderson but Russ, it would appear, is climbing in Nepal - as one does.

Fortunately, the improbably named Riley Stone-Lonergan proved to be a more than adequate replacement.

Indeed RS-L hit some harmonics on the tenor that were even higher than where the intrepid Russ was in Nepal!

Seriously, he blew great tenor. Rollins, Coltrane, Brecker - he'd learned from them all and with a tone that could be lyrical or biting, tender or violent - a name to remember (as if one could forget!)

Svela and Cadman also had moments of brilliance but, in the first set, they were marginally under amplified lessoning their impact. Gavin was solid on bass guitar and, without doubt Katie is an outstanding drummer irrespective of gender.

Personal favourite was The Allsorts' take on Bob Berg's Friday Night at the Cadillac Club.

Another number had a distinct hip-hop feel. Early Morning View From a Hot Air Balloon was wild and yet tranquil. This was one of Katie's several compositions - drummers aren't supposed to be musicians yet this lass was Yorkshire's Young Musician of the Year in 2012. Tonight gave an indication why.

I had to leave as 27 bus was already due to pass the Central Bar. I wonder if the driver popped in to catch Breach? - he was 3 minutes late... 

An excellent session that deserved a bigger audience.
Lance.