(Review
by Russell)
Saturday
morning. A pastry? A coffee? The Coniscliffe Road Clervaux Bakery with its
sunlit covered courtyard provided the perfect platform to serve up an all-day
jazz menu. Early birds (ten o’clock) enjoyed the piano playing of Steve
McGarvie. On the hour, an ever changing roster of soloists or duos played for
twenty minutes or so. The pairing of Dean Stockdale and Jonny Dunn worked well;
piano dovetailing nicely with trumpet. A relaxed Misty encapsulating the day’s laidback approach. A rustle of a
broadsheet, food orders brisk, quiet chatter, well-behaved tots. Chill.
Voice
and guitar; Zoe Gilby and the singer’s accompanist of choice – Mark Williams.
Ms Gilby dedicated an original tune to celebrate her mother’s birthday. It was
all about a redheaded girl from the ‘north east of nowhere’ (nice lyric). The
Baker siblings (Amy, bass and Alex, tenor), more McGarvie with tenor/baritone
Jazz Tones band mate Alan Thompson and to close the afternoon an opportunity
for Durham County Youth Big Band pianist Max Goodall to show what he could do
on his own. He did just fine.
On to the
afternoon session at the Quakerhouse in Mechanics’ Yard. The compact room, all
beams, brick and beer (the new home to Darlington Jazz Club) featured three
sets. A major incident across town (a restored former cinema was going up in
smoke) delayed the arrival of bassist Neil Harland (roads closed off,
diversions in place). A reshuffle of the programme saw Gilby and Williams back
in action sooner than anticipated. Brubeck, Monk, Juan Tizol and Gilby material
captivated the audience in the snug upstairs room. Mr Harland duly arrived and
set-up in double quick time to work in a trio with the busy pianist Dean Stockdale
and drummer Stephen Fletcher. This I Dig
of You (Hank Mobley), On the Sunnyside
of the Street, Nostalgia in Times Square .
Top quality material and top quality playing. Then, a surprise guest
appearance. The BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Alexander Bone joined the
trio for a couple of numbers. Altoist Bone comes from the Darlington
area. It was quite something to hear him in a town centre pub. Brilliant,
that’s the word. Those who watched the BBC’s televised competition will have an
idea of just what he’s capable of. This small group, small venue appearance,
heard him at close quarters. Cherokee
(Bone was all over it!) and On Green Dolphin Street
To close the
afternoon’s entertainment another County Durham-raised star brought in an
exceptionally talented quartet. Tenor saxophonist Will Howard (he came up
through the ranks of the renowned Durham County Youth Big Band) is typically
self-effacing of the younger generation of musicians. A quartet of equals (all
of whom have been heard on the north east scene), this set hit the heights. A
pad of classic material (with one Howard composition) given a contemporary
treatment. Jim Hall’s Slam (featuring
guitarist John Brown, a distinctive talent), Jobim, Star-Crossed Lovers, a couple from the pen of Joe Henderson. The
bass and drums pairing of the exceptionally good Tom Riviere and Steve Hanley
made for an integrated group performance. Howard’s timing, sound, everything
about him marks him out as a generous talent. Abundant technique, yet
subservient to the sound he was pursuing, Howard must be heard. A fabulous
afternoon at the Quakerhouse.
Russell.
No comments :
Post a Comment