Peter Gilligan interviewed by Zoe Gilby

Z: Tell us a bit about your band. How it formed? band line up and their influences?

P: The Music of Horace Silver band was formed following chats between Paul, Don and Myself about the prolific, brilliant composer that is Horace Silver. Prompted even further by the (inaccurate) reports of his death, we decided it would be cool to form a quintet and learn, play, attempt a selection of his music.

The band comprises,

Don Forbes (trumpet) The "Don" of local Jazz trumpet players. Regularly working with his quartet, and "Safe Sextet" Don also did a lot of the parts and arrangements. Gary Turner (Tenor Sax) Gary was good enough to step in at the last minute. Brilliant improviser with amazing tonal control. Again has been playing on the local scene for years. Currently doing great work with "The Pilgrim St Set"

Peter Gilligan (piano) Not Horace, but tonight heavily inspired by him. 

Paul Grainger (double bass) Paul is the bass player. He plays bass, and loves playing bass. That's why we book him  Great sound and swings like (insert appropriate)

Dave McKeague. (drums) Fantastic "in demand" drummer, Frequently working with a variety of local stars. Great listener and more chops than a butchers shop window.

It is the variety within Horace Silver's work that stands out to us. So expect fast Latin grooves, swing, Waltz's, Bebop and intricate subtle Ballads. 

Z: Best gig you've seen?

P: As far as best gigs go Jack DeJohnette 2012 at Sage Gateshead has cropped up as a favourite of several of us, also Joey Calderazzo with Joe Lovano, Chic Corea/ Gary Burton. Herbie Hancock, all spring to mind.

Z: Thanks Peter.

(Editor's note: The Music of Horace Silver by the Peter Gilligan Quintet is at the Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth, Newcastle NE1 5RQ on Sunday April 20, 8.15pm. Part of the Splinter @ The Bridge Spring Series of concerts.
Zoe Gilby, herself, can be heard tonight - April 19 - at the Salsa Café, Westgate Rd., Newcastle. 9.30pm.)