(Review by Russell).
The Jazz Café’s monthly improv
workshop has quickly established itself on the local scene. September’s event
attracted familiar faces and one or two newcomers. Led by John Pope (double
bass) and percussionist Wes Stephenson, the numerous participants worked in a
series of duos, trios, quartets and larger ensembles.
Alpine kazoo cast aside
inhibition to join Pope and Stephenson and before long alto, soprano and flute
threw caution to the wind and their collective improv hat into the ring.
Pianist Alan Law walked in and formed a lyrical ‘triette’, no, a ‘triage’
someone said to much laughter, with Pope and Karen Rann (soprano). Pope and
Jeff Smith (flute) paired-up, so too Nigel (‘small toys’ and voice) and a
ukulele. Stephenson vacated the drum chair to focus his attention on a bottle
of Price Bishop, leaving the way clear for Christian Alderson to pick-up the
sticks and interact with erstwhile musical partner Paul Taylor (piano).
Alderson’s ‘extended technique’ included playing the hitherto unnoticed wall-mounted
radiator.
Last month’s welcome contributor
– pocket trumpet man Andrew – arrived and in no time struck a musical
conversation with Colin (alto), Rann and Smith. Ian Forbes popped his head
round the door, took one look, and, being Forbesy, promptly left.
Davide sat front row, later to
announce himself as a drummer – his thunderous approach added an extra
dimension. ‘Shakey’ Ann Alex belatedly got in on the action (shakey eggs,
flute, hand-clap and dunked biscuit). The finale featured everyone including
the late arrival bass clarinetist lurking at the door. October’s session is on
Tuesday 14 (8:00pm).
Russell.
3 comments :
Russell, I'd love to be able to play the flute, what I played was the tin whistle, the flute is held sideways on. I don't remember the biscuit! I thought this event was as much drama as music, very interesting.
Ann Alex
Hi Ann
Flute? Tin whistle?
Russell The Unobservant
The description of me as Christian's "erstwhile" musical partner is fortunately inaccurate. Although it's ages since The Long Lonesome Go have played live, we are still an active unit, albeit currently sporadically and mainly in the practice room. We will eventually reconvene on stage. Watch this space: https://soundcloud.com/the-long-lonesome-go
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