Sue Ferris (ten/flt); Stuart Collingwood (pno); Neal Harland (bs) Rob Walker (dms).
Ms. Ferris opened up with All of Me whilst I opened up Tempura Oysters with Asian Salad both were tasty offerings. Sue isn't perhaps the first name that crosses your mind when you're talking tenor players but she should be high on the list. Her solos float effortlessly through the changes with a nice 40's/50's feel to them. Stu Collingwood too is always worth hearing. Second time in as many days for Neal Harland and none the worse for that. Driven along by Rob Walker on drums this was as near perfect a rhythm section as you're gonna get.Blue Monk and Black Sheep Bitter what a perfect combination!
The quartet decided they were Taking a Chance on Love whilst I was taking a chance on a Bavette Steak, Frites, Marmite Butter, Garden Salad and Mustard. The steak was done medium rare but Sue's solo was very rare indeed - almost precious!
Black Orpheus, Sue's flute feature, compensated for the Marmite Butter although, in truth, it wasn't like neat Marmite and tasted okay.
Moonglow, Comes Love and a blast on All The Things You Are brought the set and my Jamaican Ginger Cake, Salt Butter Caramel, Rum and Raison Ice Cream to a close and, much as I would have liked to have stayed for the second set, my waistband was almost at breaking point! So I bid my farewell and bounced down to the Metro with All The Things You Are lodged between my ears.
Lance.