(Review by Lance).
Alter Ego hardly ever bop, and I use the words advisedly, out of the woodwork so that when they do it should be a cause for celebration with Arena-like queues.
In a perfect world that is.
We weren't in a perfect world, or should I say Globe?
Few punters punted which was sad as this is a band that epitomises the very best in modern jazz of the hard bop variety.
A nicely balanced programme of originals and unhackneyed classics by such names as Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Stanley Turrentine, John Coltrane and Hank Mobley made for a most enjoyable set.
It was Mobley's Roll Call that kicked things off with solos from Armstrong, Hawking and Eland. Needless to say, Eland, depping for Dave Hignett, read the parts and hit the right notes in the right places and blew the screamers. Armstrong, more often seen wielding baritone, impressed on tenor. His composition Mustard Mash certainly cut it. Hawking did likewise on keyboard.
Robinson, whether it be with Saxophonics or SSBB, always does the business, his serpentine solos angular and adventurous. On The Soulful Mr Timmons he was just thatAbel was, well, more than able particularly on Turrentine's Sugar and Joe Henderson's Mo Joe had everyone going for it culminating in some super stickwork from Francis.
Keep an eye out for Alter Ego when next they appear.
There was also Tyne Brewery's Silver Dollar to quench one's thirst. 4.9% and £3.30 per pint.
Tonight the Jazz Coop go back to the delta with Dave Rae's Levee Ramblers.
Photos.
Lance.
PS: The lift wasn't operational!
1 comment :
Agree - they deserve a much bigger audience ! They put on a blast of a gig last time I saw them at The Globe to a barely adequate but hugely appreciative audience.
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