The Dave Weisser Orchestra @ The Chilli. April 8

Dave Weisser (trumpet & vocals), Ray Johnson (trumpet & flugelhorn), Don Forbes (trumpet), Dougie Fielder (tenor saxophone), Rachel Richman (alto saxophone), Tom Lapworth (guitar), Steve Whitfield (keyboards), Barrie Ascroft (bass) & Norman Redhead (drums) + second set Ian Forbes (drums) & Gerry Vega (guitar)

(Review by Russell).

Take it to the Bridge at the Chilli has its nights and this was one of them. Orchestral proportions on the stand, Dave Weisser happily enquired time and again: Okay guys, what’s next? knowing that the guys in the band would come up with something good. Last week’s arctic conditions a distant memory as Heaton’s number one real ale pub basked in late evening spring sunshine, spirits were high and some – no names Peter - were high on spirits.

Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gigi Gryce, Stanley Turrentine – as composers they offered a wide spectrum of material and the orchestra’s soloists stepped up to the mark with no little relish. Ray Johnson (trumpet) hit the ground running, others followed his lead in making positive statements. A Dave Weisser vocal intro on Without a Song faced two interruptions from his band mates as workshop democracy discussed tempo and the doubling of bars. Agreement reached, DW sang and played strong trumpet. A nonet formed with the arrival of Don Forbes and Rachel Richman. Jive Samba prospered as Johnson and Forbes (trumpets) upped the ante, the rhythm section responded and the horn-lead ensemble flourished.

Frank Foster’s Simone opened the second set and introduced newcomer Gerry Vega. Forbes D soloed, then Johnson on flugelhorn, altoist Rachel Richman and tenor man Dougie Fielder. Forbes D turned round to guitarist Vega, nodded – Your turn! The new boy gave it a shot, winging it as he went. No matter, the Dave Weisser workshop thrives on moments like this. GV is on board! He’ll be back. 

Wayne Shorter’s One by One vied with one or two other tunes for ‘highlight of the night’. Fabulous trumpet from Don Forbes, equally fabulous piano from Steve Whitfield and Vega hung in there. Ian Forbes, a marvel of modern jazz, did the business, then upped and left. 

The redoubtable Norman Redhead resumed engine room duties alongside the immaculate bass playing of Barrie Ascroft. I Fall in Love Too Easily (a GAS book gem) heard mellifluous flugel from Johnson, muted Weisser trumpet and a considered solo from Richman. Limehouse Blues was to be the set closer. Was…the parts went astray. Blue Monk suggested Richman, the nonet settled for Straight No Chaser. A raft of solos, guitarist Tom Lapworth’s the pick of them. Thanks to Peter for his frequent interjections (a line or two from a song, vocal encouragement for the soloists) adding to the evening’s entertainment.              

Russell.