(Review by Peter
Ninnim.)
The theme of the concert was Benjamin
Britten's songs with W H Auden's words re-arranged into a jazz score! I
was sceptical at first but within a few minutes it was obvious that this was
going to be something special. There were so many good things that it is hard
to know where to start. Each piece of music was followed by an extract from a W
H Auden poem read with great care and feeling by late stand in Nikolas
Grace. The pieces were modern jazz to gentle rock; jazz waltz to
samba and swinging like mad in places.
Some of you will be familiar with the poem from 4 weddings and a funeral called Funeral Blues and this was one of the
outstanding pieces in the second half with a sensitive vocal performance by
Ruthie Culver and moving playing by bassist
Jonny Gee. Many of the readings were humorous but most were deep, although
quite short, messages of intensely felt emotion. Miss Culvers’ singing was a
masterclass in clarity of diction and the vocal gymnastics necessary on some of
the songs reminded me throughout of Cleo Laine, every aspiring singer
in the region should have been listening. This was particularly evident on Now the leaves are falling fast which
was supported throughout by stunning piano accompaniment by Dan Hewson and by the coolest
drumming I have heard in years by Andrea
Trillo; (Italian George Clooney look alike I'm told).
The final number, When
you're feeling like expressing your affection, had a gentle bluesy funk
feel to it and had everyone in the audience of over a hundred people moving in
their seats. I haven't mentioned Mick Foster so far but he was ever
present playing Bass Clarinet; Flute; Soprano, Baritone and C Melody Sax and
very evident on this song. Wow!
I should mention that Dan Hewson played trombone as well
as piano; Jonny Gee also produced a trumpet or flugelhorn so there was a proper
horn section at times!
Despite tickets being £14.00 I thought 100 people was an
amazing audience and talking to everyone afterwards it was apparent that the
band had made a huge hit. It was great to see the whole group including Nikolas
Grace talking to the audience in the interval and after the show. A lesson to
all bands I feel.
One last word. The sound system was balanced beautifully
and despite the high ceiling and stone walls we could hear every note.
Great concert, thanks Hexham.
Peter Ninnim.
1 comment :
I'm glad I didn't go - my review couldn't have matched that! Thank you Peter, your BSH badge is in the post.
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