(Review by Lance).
First day of term - or so it seemed - as Autumn descended and the Jazz Caff once more opened its doors after a couple of weeks of musical deprivation.
A mix of old and new faces made for a variety of sound. The house trio of Gilligan, Grainger and Morgan got things rolling. Sam Rivers' Beatrice and I Thought About You set the standard to aim at.
This would have sent many an aspirant back to the woodshed but not Joel Brown. The 16 year old took his place at the upright and it soon became obvious that he'd put in some work since his last appearance displaying a maturity of approach that belied his tender years.
On bass was Brown père - Steve Brown, Is this the same Steve Brown who was, himself, a local legend a decade or three back? On drums was a newcomer to the area, Scott Riby. Although a self-confessed rock drummer he proved to be able to handle the baptism of fire anyone faces when Paul Gowland's in the frontline. Autumn Leaves was an appropriate choice whilst How High the Moon/Ornithology was played at a tempo only slightly slower than the speed of light. In a Sentimental Mood displayed more technical innovations such as triple tonguing - an action more common to brass players - and a sustained note that was surely a feat of circular breathing!
On bass was Brown père - Steve Brown, Is this the same Steve Brown who was, himself, a local legend a decade or three back? On drums was a newcomer to the area, Scott Riby. Although a self-confessed rock drummer he proved to be able to handle the baptism of fire anyone faces when Paul Gowland's in the frontline. Autumn Leaves was an appropriate choice whilst How High the Moon/Ornithology was played at a tempo only slightly slower than the speed of light. In a Sentimental Mood displayed more technical innovations such as triple tonguing - an action more common to brass players - and a sustained note that was surely a feat of circular breathing!
Gilligan had returned for the last couple but now young Joel was back and joined by more young men in the form of Fitzgerald, Poxon and Pockets - collectively known as The Swindlers. The room rocked.
Lindsay Hannon stepped up to the plate for I Can't Stay Away From You, No More Blues and You'd be so Nice to Come Home to. Steve Brown was back, this time on piano with Ian Forbes on drums, and the resultant Here's That Rainy Day and I Should Care didn't hurt at all.
And so the night rolled on with Franco Falconi taking over the piano stool as I reluctantly drifted off into the night to the sounds of Days of Wine and Roses.
Days of wine and roses indeed.
Photos (Memory card now working!)
Lance.
Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Russ Morgan (dms) + Joel Brown (pno); Steve Brown (pno/bs); Paul Gowland (alt); Ian Forbes (dms); Lindsay Hannen (vcl); Scott Riby (dms); Ben Fitzgerald (dms); Henry Poxon (bs); Jonny Pockets (?) (gtr); Francesco Falconi (pno).
And so the night rolled on with Franco Falconi taking over the piano stool as I reluctantly drifted off into the night to the sounds of Days of Wine and Roses.
Days of wine and roses indeed.
Photos (Memory card now working!)
Lance.
Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Russ Morgan (dms) + Joel Brown (pno); Steve Brown (pno/bs); Paul Gowland (alt); Ian Forbes (dms); Lindsay Hannen (vcl); Scott Riby (dms); Ben Fitzgerald (dms); Henry Poxon (bs); Jonny Pockets (?) (gtr); Francesco Falconi (pno).
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