Graham Justin – Trumpet/flugel; Damian Cook – alto/tenor; Stuart Davies – Guitar/vocal; Greg Arrowsmith – Keys; Joe Britton – Bass Guitar; Ollie Boorman – Drums.(Review by Lance).
Panto party time at the Globe. Once again the Jazz Coop lured the band from the Theatre Royal's production of Dick Whittington to perform, and perform they did! The room was comfortably full with Coop members and Theatre Royalty all enjoying yet another Gig of the Year (in my eyes at least). Next year I think it will be easier to list those gigs that didn't fall into that category - so much good music has been played around the various venues.
But this was special even though occasionally ragged. It didn't matter, if anything it added to the sense of fun. Especially good to catch up with Stuart Davies again. The former Extreme Measures man not only laid down some excellent guitar work but rounded the night off singing a fusion version of Oh Didn't He Ramble! When I say 'Fusion' I don't mean a jazz fusion but rather a rock/skiffle fusion - Lonnie Donegan meets Eric Clapton! It worked. Stuart also came to the fore on a John Schofield number that had some blistering, paint-stripping tenor from Cook and, whilst the last thing the Globe needs is paint-stripping (although some may say it's the first thing it needs!), it drew the plaudits.
Cook's feature on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was an emotional and sentimental tenor tour de force without being gooey, reminding us that it's a jolly good tune for any time of year. Justin blew trumpet and flugel. A big sound and a range that maybe fell just short of the international space station 'up there'. He also wore a sweater with Xmas lights woven into it - he didn't win the fashion award!Joe Britton solid on bass and Boorman a powerhouse behind the kit. The fours the pair exchanged on Meet the Flintstones was well worthy of a "Yabba dabba do"!
Which just leaves Greg Arrowsmith - did I say 'Just'? What an understatement! How come I've never heard this guy before? An original talent! No Peterson/Jarrett/Hancock clone but totally his own man. Impressed!
Can't wait until next Xmas!
Lance.
2 comments :
Just like to add that as one the volunteer barman on the night what a lovely bunch of genuine guys the band were.
I haven't heard such exciting exuberant and spontaneous music for a long time. Utterly brilliant.
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