Take it to the Bridge @ The Chillingham. February 11

Dave Weisser (trumpet & vocals), Ray Johnson (trumpet & flugelhorn), Don Forbes (trumpet), Rachel Richman (alto saxophone), Barry Ascroft (keyboards), Ray Truscott (electric bass) & Norman Redhead (drums).

(Review by Russell)

Chant. The first number created much pre and post-performance debate on the stand. ‘The bridge starts at the sixteenth bar’ said workshop leader Dave Wiesser, pointing to a chart. More discussion. Ray Johnson mischievously suggested ‘It’s time for a break, isn’t it?’ A few bars in Weisser shouted ‘Stop! Stop!’ Another week at the Chilli.

Jobim, Hank Mobley, Mike Carr, Wayne Shorter’s One By One, the usual choice material. The Shorter number featured nifty work on flugel from Johnson. Throughout the evening Don Forbes played consistently good trumpet, altoist Rachel Richman took one or two solos and six-string bassist Ray Truscott knew most of the material inside out, expressing his liking for one he wasn’t familiar with – Stan Tracey’s Pen Pals. Moanin’ threatened to fall apart until Forbes took it by the scruff of the neck, abetted by a cookin’ rhythm section (stalwart Barry Ascroft, piano, Truscott and traps man Norman Redhead).

Special mention of Peter’s frequent ebullient interjections in between frequent trips to the bar. Entertaining of sorts, Weisser entered into the spirit, embracing the pie-eyed one’s ‘contributions’. Sitters-in are positively encouraged at the Chillingham. Get along to Dave Weisser’s session any Wednesday, eight o’clock- ish.  Russell.