Paul Edis (Piano), Mick Shoulder (Bass), Adam Sinclair
(Drums), Graeme Wilson (Tenor/Baritone Sax), Chris Hibbard (Trombone) and
Johnny Dunn (Trumpet and Flugelhorn).
(Review/photo by Jerry)
“7.30 p.m., summer
sun (about time) streams through the high window, nibbles are on the tables,
bottled ales are flowing and a chattering Crook crowd thinks they are in for a
great evening. Adam’s drums rip into Administrate
This, the chattering stops and the crowd KNOW they are in for a
great evening! “
I wrote the above exactly one year ago but I
make no apology for recycling it. Johnny Dunn again graced the front line, so
it all still applies.
As then, the mix for the evening was: originals
from the group’s first CD, There Will Be
Time; originals featured on the second CD, Mr Hipster, (to be
launched at Sage Gateshead on September 25) and a couple of standards for good
measure. Thus the first set included: The Timothy’s (aka “I’m
in with the in-laws”), Eastern, Missing
You (Aaaaaah!), Black Orpheus,
and Blues for Dad (aka “Keep Pops
onside, too”).
New to Crook was
the forthcoming CD’s title-track, Mr
Hipster – a gem of Pink Panther-ish drumming and slinky attitude. There
were no “hipsters” in the audience (apparently even those of us with beards lacked the inventive topiary
required) but it went down well anyway! As did the half-time pizza.
The second set opened brightly with Mick
Shoulder’s bold and brassy arrangement of My
Heart Belongs to Daddy and
continued with Better Than a Punch in the
Face. Next up (again, I think,
new to Crook) was the serendipitously Scouse-inspired Lost in Translation – a “bass-heavy” piece featuring Graeme Wilson’s growling baritone sax and a great “snap” ending.
It was
interesting to compare the sextet’s Vignette
with the piano version from the recently reviewed (Jazz Journal – FOUR STARS!)
solo album, Not Like Me. I prefer the
solo version whereas the opposite applies with Eastern.
Paul then
played, solo, a short, recently-written piece entitled Vince – appropriately more classical than jazzy, as dedicated to
friend whose idea of heaven was any place inhabited by the Vienna Philharmonic!
Knight Errant, another instantly
lovable original, featured muted brass, GraemeWilson on flute, infectious
Spanish rhythms and a Flamenco-clapping finish. Olé! Angular, with solos for all and audience-participation during a
drum solo (whatever next?), brought a thoroughly enjoyable evening to a close.
There are more
gigs coming up at this thriving venue (Customs’ House Big Band next) - get
there if you can!
My birthday
happens to be on September 25 and I know where I will be – at The Sage for the
CD launch! Get there too, if you can.
Jerry. 
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