Tom Gibbs Quartet/Sonsale @ The Bridge

Tom Gibbs (pno); Will Vinson (alt); Euan Burton (bs); James Maddren (dms).
(Review by Lance.)

Having reviewed their CD Fear of Flying I knew what to expect and I wasn't disappointed. This was simply superb. An alto player who'd absorbed the lessens of Charlie Parker and merged them into his own psyche - just thinking, I've heard so many wonderful alto players recently - Greg Abate, Alan Barnes, Tom Harrison, Tommaso Starace - Will Vinson is another member of that exclusive club. He swung like the proverbial.

On keys, the leader brought out many of the delicacies and nuances of each tune - and so he should as he wrote them - displaying a sensitivity not always apparent on keyboards. Burton was there straight down the line and James Maddren! What can you say 'cept, "Will I ever go to a gig in the UK where he isn't behind the kit?" Well, if I do, the gig will be all the worse for his absence.

A great set.

Prior to the Main Event Sonsale opened up. This will be reviewed elsewhere.
A JNE presentation.

Lance.