DB Project: David Keighley (saxes); Thomas MacMillan (gtr); Adrian Sander (bs gtr); Ben Grant (dms)
(Review by Lance).
With Russell, our roving reporter, covering the goings on down in deepest Darlo it was up to me to take stock of city centre happenings in Newcastle.
The "Toon" was buzzing. Hens were partying and, despite a seventh consecutive defeat, "The shirts" were smiling - possibly because Sunderland were now in the relegation zone. The 22 bus from Stand F was only 8 minutes late so I reached The Globe Jazz Bar just as the DB Project were firing up the nuclear reactors that power their sound system. You need decibels? DBP have them to spare!
Within the constraints of the compact Jazz Bar the sound was overwhelming - this was World War 23 set to music!
However, my ears gradually attuned themselves to the sound level (I live close to a Metro Line so they've had plenty practice) and I begun to appreciate the content more and more as the set evolved. Keighley knows his way around the horns - alto and soprano but mainly tenor - awesome technique with lots of harmonics used in conjunction with a variety of electronic effects. MacMillan did some wild thrashing on Strat - he too is not short on ability when it comes to navigating the fretboard - Sander, on fretless, adopted a less frenetic approach producing some melodic lines that ensured a degree of sanity prevailed whilst co-leader Grant held it all together.
The material included originals by Keighley - Spanish Ballerina particularly endearing - alongside something from Nirvana, Coltrane's A Love Supreme, Little Sunflower and an outré take on Bowie's Space Odyssey among others.
It was an exhilarating experience but I had other cats to swing so I reluctantly took my leave.
It must be said that the Jazz Coop does offer variety. Jazz Meets Folk on Election Night, Jazz/Rock and Electro Powered Fusion last night whilst tonight it's back to the delta with the Vieux Carré Jazzmen.
After last night's 21 gun salute, Brian Bennett's banjo will sound as delicate as an Elizabethan roundelay played on a set of virginals.
Lance,
1 comment :
We The DB Jazz Project loved playing at the JAZZ COOP, Globe. The staff are also very nice people. A cracking night and venue.
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