(Review by Russell).
Dave Kerr, mastermind of the
unique New Century Ragtime Orchestra, pulled off a coup in bringing to Tyneside
not one but two virtuoso pianists. On a sultry summer’s evening his efforts
were rewarded with the Caedmon Hall being full to capacity.
A four hands piano jazz fiesta formed
the centre piece of the programme. Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi played
two, three and four-handed piano (at times it seemed that six, seven or eight
hands were on the keyboard such was the dazzling playing). Trick from St Louis , Missouri and
Alderighi from Milan , Italy ,
first met in Switzerland
at a gathering of some of the finest exponents of classic jazz piano styles and
some six years on are touring the world with their ragtime, stride and swing
era show. To one side of the piano a tripod-mounted camera focused on the
keyboard projecting real-time moving images to a screen above the stage. This
proved to be an excellent idea allowing all in the hall to see the two
pianists’ hands working in tandem, often at bewildering speed.
Temptation Rag, Just a Closer Walk with Thee, A Handful of Keys, all
mesmerising. How did they do it? There it was, in front of our eyes, but, how
did they do it? Amazing, plain and simple. Scott Joplin, James P Johnson to
Erroll Garner. Alderighi in particular has an affinity with the swing era
greats – Garner, Hines et al. Alderighi’s casual conversational style with the
audience belied a cast-iron technique, exemplified by a solo take on Tiger Rag. The duo (a husband and wife
pairing) played all eighty eight keys several thousand, no make that several
million times, during the evening, frequently swopping seats, sitting to the
left, then the right, standing, crossing hands, all done flawlessly. There was
more…
Gershwin’s Liza, St Louis Blues (but
of course!) and Exactly Like You.
One shouldn’t forget the band!
The New Century were, variously, in the bar, in the bar and in the bar. To be
fair, some did sit in the hall, enthralled. The orchestra opened and closed the
show. The vocalists sang – Caroline Irwin, Steve Andrews and Jim McBriarty.
Brass and reeds did their thing – trumpeters Graham Hardy and Alastair Lord on
top form, Phil Rutherford too, the redoubtable Mr Don Fairley, stars all. Steve
Doyle did a great job alongside the rhythm king Keith Stephen. Special mention
of Neville Hartley – band pianist, no mean player in his own right, for once
happy to play second fiddle and second trombone. Mention too of Alan Marshall,
admirably depping in the reeds section.
The concert drew to a close with
a rousing Limehouse Blues –
orchestra, Trick and Alderighi. A memorable occasion.
Russell.
Stephanie
Trick (piano), Paolo Alderighi (piano)
New Century Ragtime Orchestra: Neville Hartley (piano & trombone), Steve Andrews (tenor
saxophone, clarinet & vocals), Jim McBriarty (alto saxophone, clarinet
& vocals), Alan Marshall (tenor, alto & soprano saxophones, clarinet),
Graham Hardy (trumpet), Alastair Lord (trumpet), Don Fairley (trombone), Keith
Stephen (guitar & banjo), Phil Rutherford (sousaphone), Steve Doyle (drums)
& Caroline Irwin (vocals)
2 comments :
Yes, a great night music - top class piano playing from the two guests, plus ragtime, novelty dance numbers and swinging jazz from the band. Graham Hardy was outstanding as always, and Phil Rutherford keeps the rhythm steady and tight with that velvet toned sousa. Dave Kerr will be in need of a long holiday after all his hard work!
A wonderful evening of Jazz. Two pianists performing what was almost impossible and of course the magnificent New Century Ragtime Orchestra. All courtesy of David Kerr.
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