Zoe Gilby Quartet @ Ashington Jazz Club - August 5

Zoe Gilby (vocalist), Andy Champion (bass), Mark Williams (guitar), Richard Brown (drums).(Review by Peter S.)

The Quartet returned to the AJC after a long absence completing a commitment which was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute when our venue failed to inform us of closure for refurbishment.  Causing further problems, the management had offered a practice room above our function room for a local group. Following some diplomatic negotiations with JT an agreement was reached and the group agreed to stop at 8.00 p.m. and joined us for an evening of superb music.

From the outset we were entertained by this masterly combo to an eclectic selection of swinging music with a diversity of lyrics sourced by Zoe and her band and delivered in a very interesting and personal style. Since the last visit this Band has made remarkable progress in developing unique renditions of established standards and the very evocative and original lyrics of their own compositions.

Zoe described how she was strongly influenced and encouraged by her late father when many of us remember his appearances with the River City Jazzmen during the early years of this Club. Jazz music has never stood still and it is a delight to find that in our region there are young,  gifted musicians who are prepared to change the canvas of the music giving the genre another dimension. This makes the fresh delivery of the music very personable and identifiable and should be encouraged and applauded.  I recommend you to get out there and hear for yourselves the fine musical experience which this Quartet offers.

This sadly was the final meeting of the Ashington Jazz Club. An ageing membership, falling attendance numbers, and venue difficulties with the ever increasing costs in bringing Bands to the most northerly Jazz Club in England has convinced the members that the Club at this time is no longer a viable proposition. The AJC through Bebop Spoken Here wishes to thank all the many brilliant musicians who have been engaged on our stage over the last 31 years. There are many stories to tell of the great nights we have enjoyed in the company of musicians and friends. It has been a long journey but regrettably the Ashington A Train has reached its final destination. Sadly all good ideas come to an end but we shall always recall our memories with pride in what was achieved over the years at the AJC. I’m sure that our love of the music will endure long after the curtain has come down on our stage.   

Peter S.