(Review by Lance).
For once, I'm not going to eulogise over the rump steak even though it's the tastiest bit of rump my lips have tasted for a long time. Imagine if Bernie, your number one bull, had died and this cut had been taken from his still warm hindquarters... call me a cannibal if you like but it was succulent. A few cows will be mooing the blues tonight.
However, tonight was jazz night at the Cherry Tree although, given the absence of recognisable jazz faces in the audience, I couldn't help but wonder if Mondays are a jazz fast day.
Their loss.
Tonight saw the début of Caroline Bagley with the James (Harrison) Gang. Just as the other James Gang (Jesse's) made robbing banks an art form the Harrison boys have plundered the Great American Songbook to equally great effect.
Enter Caroline Bagley.
I'd only heard Caroline blowing alto which she does with a lovely liquid sound that only comes from an ebonite mouthpiece and a reed that is less than a tree trunk thick. The sound hits the innards of the sax and emerges with the kick and the sweetness of a rum and blackcurrent.
If this wasn't enough, the gal can sing! Admittedly the predictability of the first set - Summertime, Funny Valentine, Autumn Leaves, Fever etc. - didn't herald a second coming (thankfully she didn't cry a river) nevertheless, the interpretation was there and, as a horn player herself, Caroline's scat choruses were on the money and not just some wannabee oobie doobying in the dark on a wing and a prayer.
The second set moved into more contemporary waters with I'd Rather Go Blind, Street Life, American Boy and others including Get Happy.
With Ord and Chapman riding shotgun we certainly did get happy.
Let's hope more appearances are forthcoming (hint to Jazz Café).
Lance.
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