George Anyfantis
(piano); Karen Rann (sop sax); Jeff Smith (ten sax); Keith Barrett (guitar); Dave Parker (bass);
Michael Howard (drums)+ Helen Neilson and Barry Keatings
(Review by Ann Alex).
This
was the first outing for the expanded Blue Jazz Quintet who are now a sextet
with the addition of Keith on guitar, and also a new pianist, George, who both
did a good job as newbies. Straight in with A
Foggy Day In London Town, even though it was a fine Spring evening in
Newcastle with a large audience in the Globe Jazz Bar – large audiences at this
venue are becoming the norm these days.
Moanin’ sounded good, lots of solos and Karen moving rhythmically to the
sound and a final flourish from the saxes.
Rumour has it (or I’ve invented it) that instead of guest vocalists next
time, Karen will be guesting as a dancer. But, seriously, it’s lovely to see
musicians so enthusiastic about playing.
A Latin number was followed by All Blues, a tricky tune if ever there
was one, with noticeably effective solos from both of the newbies, including
big chunky bluesy chords from the piano.
After My Funny Valentine, up stepped
Barry, with Misty, an intriguing slow
start and the rest of the band entering later, a good arrangement. Next came Four,
fast-moving philosophical words set to a Miles Davis tune and, naturally, 4’s
from the band, and then God Bless The
Child. Well sung, Barry.
Tenor Madness, Well
You Needn’t, Angel Eyes
(Dave on bass proclaimed that this one was named after Karen!) all proceeded
well, as did Smile (written by
Charlie Chaplin, did you know?) with a slow chorus then a quick change to
upbeat, then even faster. We’re in the 2nd
set by now and after a boppish tune, up steps Helen with Black Orpheus, Take The A Train and Song For My Father. Helen
sings Bossa numbers well, very relaxing to listen to, and with some effective
improvisation with good illustrations from the band, drums clinking the Latin
rhythms and bass and piano giving us trainish sounds on A Train.
I’m
glad to say the Metro didn’t call me home before the end of the show, so I
heard the final numbers, which were a slinky Footprints and Work Song, the
latter rounded off with jungle-type drums and the soprano sax. A very enjoyable evening.
Ann Alex
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