Take it to the Bridge @ The Chillingham. January 23.

Don Forbes (trumpet), Rachel Richman (alto saxophone), Paul Gowland (tenor saxophone), Mike Papapavlou (guitar), Barrie Ascroft (keyboards), Paul Grainger (double bass) & Daniel Diver (drums) + Alan Law (keyboards)

(Review by Russell)

In the continued absence of Dave Weisser it was down to trumpeter Don Forbes to keep the show on the road. The horn section, seated at ninety degrees to the rhythm section, suggested an element of organisation never before seen at the Chilli (only kidding Dave!) and it was Forbes who laid down exemplary solos, setting the standard for the ensemble.

 I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free) was a suitably uplifting number on a dark winter’s night. Guitarist Mike Papapavlou and tenor saxophonist Paul Gowland rose to the challenge with cracking contributions. Tunes flowed, solos plentiful, rhythm section cooked (stalwart pianist Barrie Ascroft, fulcrum bassist Paul Grainger and drummer Daniel Diver). The first set highlight was a mighty solo effort from Papapavlou on Horace Silver’s Peace Piece.

A trip to the bar for a Prince Bishop refill - hello to pianist Alan Law as he walked in - and in no time the second set was under way. Law took a spell as Ascroft went in search of a decent pint. And what a spell! Tenderly had them lining-up to grab a piece of the action - Gowland, then Law, Papapavlou (superb) and finally Forbes (equally superb). Top class jazz in a suburban public house for the princely sum of one pound. Ridiculous! But wait…you get a lot for your money at the Chilli. Round Midnight (more great trumpet, tenor and piano) then a sure fire winner – Oleo. Forbes again in the vanguard, drummer Daniel Diver’s bass drum kicked it along, then more from MP, BA and PG. Time to go but not before a joyous In Walked Bud. Trumpet and alto (Rachel Richman) sketched colours then Gowland’s tenor added a darker hue as the horns were heard in unison. One would be forgiven for thinking all of this had been carefully arranged! The Main Man - Mr. D.Weisser - will no doubt soon be back in action, in the meantime Don Forbes is doing a grand job.

Russell