Gerry Richardson (vcls/Hammond SK2); Rod Sinclair (gtr); Sue Ferris (fl/ten/bar); Garry Linsley (fl/ten/bar); Stuart Johnson (ten/sop); Dave Hignett/Mark Webb (tpt); David Gray (tmb); Paul Smith (dms).
(Review by Lance).
The turnout's good, the music's great, what's not to like? Answer - nothing! This is more than just a nostalgia trip even though 3 years have passed since their last gig. I'm surprised it hasn't been longer! each and everyone is gigging here, there, and teaching everywhere which is good. If you want to learn, this is the place - all possessed of the knowledge.
Hoochie's also a good place to learn to drink or, if you already have, to consolidate that knowledge,
I'm sitting close enough to the extended stage to risk being decapitated by David Gray's trombone slide - if this is to happen, I pray it's by the tenor trom rather than the Bb/F ominously waiting in the wings! We're always talking about the 'Gig of the Year' and this one's a major contender, but also, Sue Ferris' fluting on Donald Fagin's What I Do? - is in there pitching for the 'Solo of the Year ' - it certainly gets the nod for solo of the night. Or does it? Her tenor and baritone blasts aren't bad either.
But you can't play the numbers game on a gig like this. Everyone has their bite at the cherry and, without doubt, rarely miss.
This is a band that starts in top gear and just gets better Gerry deserves to be recognised as one of the UK's numero uno jazz organists and, who's not to say, further afield?
Tonight, we're glad he's still putting it about locally!
A great band, wonderful solos all round. Gerry in good voice, both trumpets capable of exploring dizzy heights, David Gray, as young a veteran as can be found, Garry making it look so easy, Stuart Johnson doesn't pop over the Pennines very often but it's worth catching him when he does (soprano solo particularly good).
Blues For Big Red, one of several Gerry originals is, he tells us, based on TV cop shows so, with television in mind it's appropriate that Rod Sinclair is let loose on Telecaster. With Gerry stocking footing the bass pedals, no need for the four stringer. Which just leaves Paul Smith - what timing! what power!
The final jam on Night Train is the icing on a well cooked cake!
What a band!
Photos.
Lance.
Blues For Big Red, one of several Gerry originals is, he tells us, based on TV cop shows so, with television in mind it's appropriate that Rod Sinclair is let loose on Telecaster. With Gerry stocking footing the bass pedals, no need for the four stringer. Which just leaves Paul Smith - what timing! what power!
The final jam on Night Train is the icing on a well cooked cake!
What a band!
Photos.
Lance.
1 comment :
Great review - and I like the pics. I am glad you picked up on the stockinged foot. I thought the juxtaposition of the stockinged left foot and the right foot in a work boot was quite artistic! Gerry was certainly playing a mean bass on those pedals - and also on keys in one item, I think. Let's hope we don't have to wait another three years - three days would do me!
I noted the comment in 'the menu' - London Pride - jazz critic's favourite! Your taste exceeds mere music!
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