Pilgrim St., Set @ Hoochie Coochie - Sept. 10

Richard Burns (tpt); Gary Turner (ten); Paul Edis (pno); Ian Paterson (bs gtr); Rob Walker (dms).

(Review by Lance).

In a previous review of the Pilgrim St. Set I suggested that Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers may have sounded like this band of pilgrims had they arrived on the scene 50 years later. Tonight, however, it was more like 30 years down the line. The reason for this not unwelcome, seemingly retro, step was, presumably, to accommodate dep bass guitarist Ian Paterson by playing a more familiar repertoire as opposed to the often complex originals they have been featuring recently. Needless to say that Ian handled the material with seeming ease soloing and supporting admirably. The rapport between bass and drums suggested an intuitive awareness.

Ian, A.K.A. "Dodge" and featured on the cover of this month's issue of The Crack, depped for Paul Susans who has gone to Ireland to get married. I don't know if this is an elopement, a quest to find a bride or just an exotic venue. Whatever, we wish him and his intended well.

Back to the music. Some cracking trumpet from Richard. Richard tends to nod his head, sometimes his whole upper body in time to the music unlike the Brits in the band who merely tap their feet. Perhaps it's to do with the different hemispheres (Richard is from 'down under').

Gary, as ever, encompassed the full gamut of his instrument going for gold and getting it every time.

Paul Edis has his fingers in so many pies it's a wonder he has any to spare - he had plenty tonight though, not a note was spared.

Paul, incidentally has recorded his second solo album - Just Like Me (the first was titled Not Like Me!) and shortly both discs will be available as a double album to be launched at the Lit and Phil on November 19.

Rob was the inevitable powerhouse. How can a drummer be so loud and yet so subtle and sensitive at the same time? I don't think anyone, other than Art Blakey himself, could drive the bus the way Rob does.

The material included: Edis' We Get Along; Dexter Gordon's Devilette; a piece by Wayne Shorter that had me saying "Follow that Wayne" after a blistering Turner torrent of notes; Silver's The Jody Grind, announced by Richard as The Geordie Grind; Mile's So What?; another Edis - Narrow Escape and, as an encore, more Silver with Nutville.

This band shouldn't be confined to one street, they should be out on the road touring the land.
Photos.

Lance.