Budtones @ Ashington Jazz Club July 3.

Fiona Finden (ten.sax and vocals), Stuart Finden(ten. sax) Jim Crinson (bass), Eric Stutt (drums), Harley Johnson (keyboard).
(Review by Peter S.)
The Bud Tones were first time visitors to AJC and introduced their brand of modern Jazz in which they strongly believe.
I must admit that although not to everyone's taste you could not disregard their passion and commitment to the music or their instrumental skills. Our audience listened with interest and applauded warmly.

The marital sax team was a surprising innovation for Ashington and Fiona's vocals were a delight with influences of June Christy, Anita O'Day, Blossom Dearie, Manhattan Transfer and Annie Ross to name but a few. This Lady can sing as was demonstrated throughout the evening and she was supported creatively by the Bud Tones.

The second set was a subtle interpretation of established standards in the Jazz genre. The rhythm section drove the music forward at times like Formula 1. The keyboard young man with Roland Synth (is it keytar?) worked well with drums and bass as the trio followed each others’ moves in the development of the improvisation.
Overall this was an unexpected but interesting experience and there will be Jazz followers out there who would really enjoy the B.T. Bebop Spoken Here will no doubt keep you informed of future venues and dates.
Peter S.
Next meeting at AJC is on August 7  and is a Double Bill featuring the Dean Stockdale Trio (Tribute to Oscar Peterson) . Plus  Katherine Stone Quartet with an American Song Book Collection accompanied by the above.
See you there at the Elephant.