Paul Edis (piano), Mick Shoulder (double bass) &
Adam Sinclair (drums)
(Review by Russell/photos courtesy of Mike Tilley).
The Paul Edis Trio at the Jazz Café. Your monthly
treat. The place was buzzing from the earlier hour-long set by the Early Birds
(see LL’s review). Many in the audience made a night of it – first listening to
the young musicians in the upstairs room, then sitting and standing in the
downstairs bar to hear Edis, Shoulder and Sinclair.
What Is This Thing Called
Love? All three musicians
on it from the start. The lid of the piano discarded, its innards on display, a
metaphorical glimpse into the mind of the pianist. The hammers in motion
created a mechanical, analogue fairground display, much more revealing than any
digital alternative. Stompin’ at the
Savoy – samba style – then an exceptional Our Love is Here to Stay. Pianist Edis’ magically old school,
lagging-behind - the-beat, style worked off the precision of bassist Mick Shoulder and ace drummer Adam
Sinclair. Jobim’s Dindi, then a tune
to mark the passing of pianist John Taylor (Paul Edis knew his fellow pianist
from York University) – Bill Evans’ Peace
Piece played as a solo piano feature.
A keen listener remarked that the set list couldn’t
have been better. Freddie Freeloader (a
Kind of Modal masterpiece), Basie swing (One
O’clock Jump), Yesterdays with a
fleeting Four. Quotes peppered Edis’
playing; clever stuff and good fun. ‘What’s that one? It’s...’ The packed room
stayed on for the second set. People had travelled from far and wide for the
occasion – from Greater Elswick to Germany. Another listener noted the
atmosphere – a full house, the majority listening intently, all seats taken,
bar stools lining the bar with many standing – as being particularly good. Yes,
it was one of those nights.
Paul Edis is like Stan Tracey. You get Ellington and
you get Monk. A dream combination – a Monk’s
Dream you could say. Adam Sinclair’s brushes skittered over his kit on Emily as expertly as anyone could wish
to hear. The trio’s performance just got better and better as we heard the slow
take on Take the A Train. This one
should be recorded. How about The Paul
Edis Trio Live at the Jazz Café? They played on – A Night in Tunisia – and finally, I Could Have Danced All Night. They could have played all
night.
Russell.
3 comments :
Wow !! what a review - what a gig !!! And to be compared to Stan Tracey too !! Sumptuous review of what seems to have been a superb gig.
Yes Ken Drew! It was indeed a superb gig - all three guys giving it all in that hot and sweaty jazz caff, and with a brilliantly distinctive play list. Oh, and a great review from Russell too .....
The Jazz Cafe was the place to be last Friday - New York and Ronnie's on Pink Lane. Benny Goodman upstairs, Stan Tracey down and the Paul Edis Trio. The Trio were fantastic and on top of their game. A great session.
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