(Review by Lance).
"A work in progress" continues to be the motto of the Jazz Machine. The 'progress' is in the form of the addition to their ranks of young guitarist Adam Sams. These days, guitarists seem to be rolling off the conveyer belt almost as frequently as girl jazz singers and, in the case of Sams, a most welcome addition. Technically accomplished, he soloed inventively and, thankfully, used the array of pedals at his feet sparingly.
The repertoire included a lot of boppy themes (Oleo; Impressions; Pent-up House; Ron Carter's Little Waltz; Tenor/Alto Madness) originals (How's That?; Black Cloud Chantelle) and standards (You've Changed; Norwegian Wood.)
The bebop lines played in unison by alto and guitar sounded good and gave the impression of a larger ensemble. Greenaway can certainly get around the horn although sometimes sounding a bit fragmentary when exploring the altissimo register.
Parker's baby bass made up in volume for what it lacked in size and his solos, an integral part of the band's format. Ninnim, as expected, drove things along nicely.
A good gig that was worthy of more support. Photos.
As the strains of Tenor (alto) Madness faded the 32 bus loomed on the horizon enabling those who were so inclined to jump on it then, two stops later, jump off it at the Jazz Café where Peter Gilligan and Steve Glendinning were reprising last Saturday at the Globe.
Nica's Dream was the number that heralded our arrival and it sounded good - this had certainly been a night for guitar enthusiasts with Steve on form and, of course, Pete on piano his ever swinging self.
A good evening all round and a well travelled one - 27 bus/Metro/22 bus/32 bus/Metro/27 bus.
Lance.
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