Lewis Watson (tenor saxophone), Rob Walker (drums) & Paul Edis
(piano)
(Review by Russell - Photo by Jerry)
Another in the monthly lunchtime
series of jazz gigs at the Lit & Phil and another full house. For some
reason the jazz public has taken to the city centre venue from the get go;
central location, a warm welcome from the Lit & Phil’s staff, quality
bottled beers, tea, coffee and…top class jazz. It isn't rocket science, simply
jazz.
The trio of Watson Walker Edis
made its debut at the Lit & Phil something like two years ago and since
then a further four or five performances (in
Compositions were shared between
the three musicians. Two pieces - On the Plus
Side (comp. Edis) and Bells 2
(comp. Walker) - played without a break, opened the programme, Watson’s rich,
full tenor sound is that of the consummate working musician, drummer Rob
Walker, perhaps best described as a ‘musicians musician’, exudes taste. A
‘listening’ player, reading the parts, creative and expressive, Walker is the
perfect fit in this trio.
The Albert Suite, comprising nine parts, ran for something like forty
five minutes. On In the Ether Walker played with open
hand - palms, fingertips, then forearm, elbow, palm, fingertips. This was a
superb demonstration of the art of the percussionist. Pianist Paul Edis
immersed himself in the music, creating motifs, ascending, descending, as
Watson’s authoritative tenor delved deep into Ayler territory. Carried on the Wind (comp. Edis) and
another Edis composition - Rumbles -
drew the best from Watson, then, the heart of the concert - Albert (comp. Watson) - drew the breath
from the composer. Sustained intensity covering the free landscape sculpted by
Coltrane and Ayler reaffirmed Watson’s pre-eminence in the ranks of the great
tenor players. Watson Walker Edis perform together rarely. Each occasion is a
treat.
Watch out for their next gig. If
there is any justice then a CD recording should document the work of this trio.
Gig of the year.
Russell.
No comments :
Post a comment