Firebird Quartet @ The Bridge. May 4

Ian Chalk (trumpet); Martin Longhawn (piano); John Marley (bass); Tim Carter (drums).

(Review by Lance/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew).

This was a stormer! Four York based musicians at the top of their game (and who's to say they won't get even better still - Longhawn and Carter are still just in their mid-twenties) delighted Sunday's Splinter audience with a program of originals and standards performed with much originality. Nature Boy done over a Cuban rhythm, Sonny Rollins' Blue Seven given an easy relaxed swing feel. Chalk has that beautiful fat sound personified by such as Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown and Freddy Hubbard. Tone wasn't sacrificed for technique nor vice versa - the perfect balance. On the Rollins piece the trumpet player used Chris Calver's pint glass for a growl chorus. Chris, who was sitting at the front table nearest the stage beamed with delight. The glass, I hasten to add, was empty!

John Marley has made many trips to Tyneside and most of us are familiar with his, backbone of the band, bass playing. Longhawn too is not unknown in these parts and his solos and support were superb.

However, drummer Carter was the surprise package. I think most present were unfamiliar with the name - they aren't now!

Straight down the middle swing, complex Latin rhythms, contemporary jazz/rock feel he does 'em all. Is he from York down the A19 or the newer version across the pond? He may well be one day.

Yes this was a good session...

Lance.