Don Forbes (trumpet); Paul Gowland
(alto sax); John Rowland (tenor sax); Alan Laws (piano); Mike Papapavlou (guitar); Paul
Grainger (bass); Jeff Armstrong (drums)
(Review
by Ann Alex).
The latest gig by the co-operative hoping to reopen the Jazz Café. The Sextet became a Septet - perhaps they were no longer taking precautions - with the welcome addition of music student
Mike. Two of Mike’s friends were playing
cards in the corner which added to the bebop atmosphere. To say that the band were great is an
understatement. This is an area of jazz that I know least about, although I am learning. I certainly couldn't sing it, but I know skilled, exciting
musicians when I hear them, and I heard them on Wednesday. Rich, fast notes tumbling over each other,
shouting saxes and trumpet, piano and guitar beavering all around, underpinned
by a sneaky bass and drums beating impertinently Really, you just have to hear
this, words can’t do the trick.
For instance, the first number started with
a steady drumbeat, before Forbes, on trumpet, leads in the band. Extended solos for the two saxes and a guitar solo from Mike followed by a chance for Alan, beating time with his right foot as he plays, to shine. The saxes leave the stage to let the others get on with it, try doing that if
you play in the Northern Sinfonia! This
stomping number ends with a wonderfully shrieking dissonant chord from
everyone. ‘Aw, you are f-----g awesome’ shouted a man from the audience (pub
regular I think).
And so it continued, a lone mean throaty
sax, followed by guitar, this time with a harder sound, not the usual warm
sound of jazz guitar, bass solo and piano, a crash from the drums, you get the
idea I hope. I’m not familiar with this
repertoire, but I’m told the set included Island Birdie; a Horace Silver number Liberated
Brother; The Soulful Mr Timmins;
and, a beautiful calm slow tune which built to a fine climax, Peace, another Silver number. The final item of the evening had the piano
going stompingly berserk, I thought Alan
was about to go through the roof. Yes,
the band did themselves proud.
Ann
Alex
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