Peter Gilligan (pno); Mike Clarke (bs); Mark Robertson (dms) + Ian Forbes (dms); John Rowland (ten).
(Review by Lance.)
Musically this was faultless. Gilligan, depping for guitarist Steve Glendinning, made sure there wasn't a note on the keyboard untouched. He plays 'em all!I'd heard the recording Pete made in St. Nicks Cathedral of Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most and it was terrific. However, actually hearing him play it live for chorus after chorus, was something else again. The north east really is well endowed with jazz piano men - Alan Glen was playing across town at the Chillingham which may have accounted for tonight's depleted audience. Last week saw a goodly crowd and, I thought, this is starting to happen and then tonight it was back to the drawing board. Even the committee didn't show!
Still the music was great as Pete went through his bag of Bud Powell, Bill Evans and other heroes including a gorgeous version of Laura. Mike Clarke on bass guitar handled the occasionally unfamiliar material with aplomb and drummer Mark Robertson must think I'm the tax man following him around! He played well even though there was a drum legend in the house!
Yes Ian Forbes, now in his eighties, was waiting in the wings and took over the drum stool for the jam which actually comprised of John Rowland blowing some gutsy tenor with Pete, Mike and Ian. A contingent from the Sage Jazz Singing Class were present but, in the absence of their leader, there was no mic. for them to sing through! However, if they hadn't been there, I'd have been sitting on my own.
I guess folks are still "celebrating" Easter.
Lance.
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