Swing City Trio @ Ashington Jazz Club May 1.

Steve Andrews  (sax/clt), Roy Cansdale (bass), Roly Veitch (gtr/vcls).
(Review and photo by Peter S. )

Although Steve and Roly have appeared at the AJC in the past this was the first visit of the Swing City Trio with bassist Roy and together our members experienced a sublime evening of quality musicianship, wonderful melodies and attractive lyrics. The Trio blended together with a refreshing cocktail selection of compositions, some familiar and some lesser known but never the less presented within pleasing arrangements.

Sadly the room lighting was so bad that tunes When Lights Are Low and Moonglow came to mind. Fortunately the quality of the music shone through the gloom. Roly sang so gently with the dedicated accompaniment of the bass and guitar while Steve played lyrical Saxes interspersed with appealing improvisation. Roy's bass was always subtly in the background alongside Roly's rhythm guitar creating support for Steve's smooth and sometimes out front sax. Within the group desirable improvisations enhanced the experience.

At the interval Roy introduced his electrical know-how by managing to restore an overhead light and "Oh, Oh, Oh, what a littile moonlight can do to you."

We enjoyed a second set of good quality swinging Jazz warmly applauded by the audience who had received a nicely balanced and varied programme.

You will not be disappointed supporting this band and in addition to the music Steve added his own historical knowledge on each master piece. I must not forget his humorous comments- always a bonus.

Next Meeting- Wednesday, July 5th. at the Elephant .8.30 p.m. when Gavin Lee's Dixieland Band will appear.

See you there.
Peter S.
Photos by Jim Fay.