Stu
Collingwood (organ & vocals), John Waugh (tenor saxophone) & Paul Smith
(drums) + Mo Scott (vocals)
(Review by Russell)
Stu Collingwood mined Jimmy Smith’s
Hammond groove
and mixed it up with Trane, Metheny, a Yellowjackets’ number and one or two
originals. The trio couldn’t wait to get started, so much so that the first set
started the best part of half an hour ahead of the advertised start. Jimmy Smith’s
Ready ‘n’ Able seemed rather apt –
they were ready and didn’t hang around.
Collingwood’s Changeable heard solo contributions from
all three musicians; the composer leading the way, tenor man John Waugh robust,
Smith trading fours with his usual assuredness. In a Mellow Tone surprised on two counts – Collingwood sang and Ellington’s
classic number received a firm rhythmic treatment. A second Collingwood
original – Wet Thing – stood out;
Blue Note keys, grooving tenor, smart snare work. Back at the Chicken Shack went round and round ‘til Collingwood
called time. The second set offered more Jimmy Smith, Coltrane’s Bessie’s Blues, Metheny’s Jaco, a swinging Paul Smith on C Jam Blues and more vocals from
Collingwood on Revelation (Yellowjackets). For an encore Collingwood invited Mo Scott to join the band and the
Queen of Blues sang, with typical conviction, Unchain My Heart.
Russell.
1 comment :
This was the first time I had seen these guys - they are fabulous! I will definitely be watching out for them again! Shame I missed the start of the first set.
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