Jason Rebello (keys); Xan Blacq (keys/perc/vcl); Karl Rasheed-Abel (bs); Troy Miller (dms); Joy Rose (vcl).
(Review by Lance).
You've got to hand it to Warren, El Supremo at Hoochie, he rarely fails to deliver and tonight he delivered and delivered good! Next week's Gregory Porter gig - that's right GP at Hoochie - is forecast by many to be the Gig of the Year but on tonight's performance Gregory will have his work cut out!
This was simply excitement unlimited. A high profile, well supported, event and the crowded room loved it. Given that there were a lot of other things going on in town tonight, the support for the artist and the venue, I'm pleased to say, was well justified. Rebello's keyboarding amply demonstrates why he's become a first call man for a diverse range of artists across the genres including Sting and Madeleine Peyroux. However, it's in settings like this where he calls the tune that the maestro excels.
Aided and abetted, of course, by the tightest, funkiest band I've heard in a long time.
Joy Rose adds an extra dimension. A vocal talent that oozes soul, Joy even made Summertime sound as if I was hearing it for the first time! Her excursions into scat/vocalese were something else.
Not that Joy was the only nightingale on stage. Xan Blacq spent most of the set comping on keys or adding some extra percussion but he also took centre stage for a knockout vocal on Walk With Me. Rasheed-Abel was more than able (sorry about that) on both bass guitar and double bass whilst Troy Miller, here only a few weeks back with Natalie Williams, gave a powerhouse performance driving the others with a "Stay out of the kitchen" intensity.
They stayed.
Bring it on Gregory Porter!
Photos.
Lance.
4 comments :
Couldn't put it better Lance - a fantastic gig, exciting funky stuff.
We had a great gig last night at an incredible club - the Hoochie Coochie club in Newcastle. I must say, the vibe of the club was fantastic. To play at a venue, where the owner and staff have such a love of music, and a dedication to support it, was very moving. Warren Thomson has done a wonderful job with this amazing venue, and has made a huge contribution to this music. Thanks Warren! So I whole heartedly recommend this venue to anyone who loves music! I hope the good people of Newcastle keep supporting this wonderful place, where something very special is happening.
Thanks to everyone that came to see us, for making it such an enjoyable experience...
Hoochie supports you if you support them. No begging bowls. It's a great bar. Last night was fabulous.
The interplay between Rebello amd Miller on the second number in was one of the most exciting things I have ever seen and heard. My only problem with the gig that it was too short I would have happily paid another tenner so see it all again! A fantastic band the club should have been overflowing with anyone interested in seeing one of this countries finest ever keyboard players.
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