Jamil
Sheriff (piano), Pete Turner (double bass), Dave Walsh (drums) + Josh Kemp
(tenor and alto saxophones) + Archie
(Review by Russell/Photos by Ken Drew.)
Jazz North East’s first promotion
since their marathon fundraiser drew a decent crowd. Presented in association
with the Lit and Phil, pianist Jamil Sheriff and Dave Walsh (drums) drove up
from Leeds and bassist Pete Turner, with Archie in tow, made the journey across
the Pennines from the north west .
Sheriff has recently been writing reams of material and some of it got a work
out during this Newcastle
engagement.
Trio Piece No.1 set the tone; a swinging piano trio composition,
all three musicians into a groove from the off. Applause woke Archie from his
slumbers. Our four-legged friend leapt to his feet, tail wagging as he ran
around the room Master Turner commanded
he return to his dog basket and good as gold did just that receiving a pat on
the back on the way.
A blues undercurrent is
omnipresent in Sheriff’s two handed style and Bluish brought it to the surface. The pianist’s academic colleague,
Les Chisnall, inspired an as yet untitled ballad. It required the trio’s total
concentration as they negotiated the complexities of the charts before them.
Crazy Happy, incorporated multiple changes in tempi, ostensibly
determined by the ever-impressive Dave Walsh. All three musicians appeared to
be all too aware of where they were going (excellent solo from Turner), no
matter, it worked a treat! To close the first set Sheriff introduced a new name
to Tyneside – Josh Kemp. Suited and booted, the amiable tenor man blew
impressively; big sound, warm tone, secure technique. Loud applause greeted
Kemp’s extended opening solo. The Lit and Phil crowd clearly liked what they
heard. What would the second set bring? During the interval Kemp’s CD sold to
more than one punter sufficiently impressed on hearing one number.
The second set heard some alto,
indeed much alto, ranging from near smooth jazz excursions to convincing
statements (Kemp’s true voice?) on numbers such as So Long, Dave. Kemp returned to the tenor (briefly deploying Roland
Kirk’s two horns party piece) and the quartet swung out to the delight of an
impressed Lit and Phil audience. Jamil Sheriff thanked all concerned for
arranging the gig and providing hospitality on the night. He added his name to
a growing list of pianists in praising the Lit and Phil’s fine piano and the
good acoustic of the Loftus Room. Archie and co are welcome to return any time.
Russell.
1 comment :
Thank for the review. I had a great time and so did Archie! Hopefully see you again soon.
Pete
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