Remembering Ray Truscott @ Jazz Café

(Report by Lance)
This was quite an afternoon/early evening. Up the road "The Toon" were, alternatively, losing, drawing, winning, drawing but here in The Caff everyone was winning. We were here to celebrate the legacy of Ray Truscott - 6 string bass guitarist extraordinaire. The invited audience of friends and fellow musicians were treated to an afternoon of excellence with the house quartet of Paul Gowland (ten/alt); Pete Gilligan (pno); John Pope (bs gtr); Paul Wight (dms) laying down a very high benchmark.

In the case of John Pope it was almost as if Ray was beaming down inspiration from 'up there'! John may have opted for a four string Fender Jazz as opposed to Ray's six string bass but the feeling was 'at times', almost identical.

Bradley Johnston brought his guitar to the party and Dave Weisser brought his cornet and Lady Jude came with him.

Jude sang Like Someone in Love and Dindi - throwing in a flute chorus on the latter number. Those that didn't know Jude prior to today certainly wanted to know more - the best kept vocal secret around!

Could anyone follow that? Well, er, yes! Dave Weisser, Jude's long time partner, gave us a take on Nature Boy that decreed honours were even in that household!

Everyone was at the top of their game - they had to be! With an audience of whom 95% were musicians there was little room for error.

Barry Ascroft warmed the keyboard stool, as did Alan Law. Findens Fi and Stu took Secret Love around the block and Fi's version of You Don't Know What Love is hit the heartstrings of everyone who could equate with that statement!

Ray Burns, sans harmonica, sang Sweet Lorraine - my favourite chord sequence - before giving out with Body and Soul.

Zoe Gilby swung through Lullaby of Birdland and emoted God Bless the Child. Kath Jobes rounded things off with Bye Bye Blackbird - Kath too has moved up the pecking order.

Then, just as I was bidding farewell to Ray's wife Sylvia, the band played My One and Only Love. Sylvia's tears were understandable - and infectious.

It was a great tribute to a most lovable/likeable man. If you've got to go this is the way to do it. Friends paying their respects by playing and listening to the music we all love.
RIP
Photos.
Lance.
PS: It should also be noted that Ray was remembered not only as a bass guitarist but also as fine composer. Several of his compositions were included in the program - Requeros and Four Miles being two of them.