Sue Ferris Trio @ The Jazz Café. July 17

Sue Ferris (tenor & baritone saxophones, flute), Paul Edis (piano) & Neil Harland (double bass)

(Review by Russell)

The printed programme stated: JAZZ @ THE LIT AND PHIL – AT THE JAZZ CAFÉ! Paul Edis suggested it could become a collector’s item. A double booking of the Lit & Phil’s Loftus Room (music examinations taking priority) meant a late change of venue.

The Jazz Café’s upstairs room welcomed Literary and Philosophical Society members, some for the first time. What were their first impressions of the place? Were they jazz fans or Lit and Phil patrons? One thing was for certain, they would be impressed when they heard Sue Ferris!

Just Squeeze Me, fabulous tenor from Ferris, Almost Like Being in Love, fabulous baritone sax from Ferris and, back on tenor, My Romance. The latter number (Rodgers and Hart) featured marvelous two-handed piano from Edis with a swinging Garner-like lilt. Ferris’ solo features of late have heard the County Durham-based multi-reeds player in imperious form. The thinking woman’s soloist, Edis and Neil Harland went with her on extended explorations of the chosen material.

Ferris the flautist is a match for Ferris the tenor/baritone player and Witchcraft (Coleman & Leigh) illustrated her abilities. Pianist Edis slotted in a double time feel with classical overtones. Bassist Neil Harland – home for a short while before resuming a busy touring schedule – took everything in his stride, contributing succinct solos with ease.

The one hour, one set format of these monthly lunchtime concerts inevitably places time constraints on the performers and a quick reshuffling of the set list closed proceedings – Time After Time and, once more on baritone, Sandu. Sue Ferris is in her prime. The next time she’s in town make sure you’re there to hear her.

Russell.