Richard Burns (tpt); Gary Turner (ten); Mark Williams (gtr); Paul Susans (bs); Rob Walker (dms) + Graham Hardy (tpt); David Gray (tmb).
(Review by Lance).
The party season is upon us. A time for much bonhomie and plenty of wassailing. With cocktails at 2 for the price of 1 the wassailers were out in force, as were the younger jazz element. On stage, the Christmas tree glowed yet paled into insignificance compared to the flames being fanned by the musicians.
As ever, the band were on fire, each solo played as if, rather than being Christmas, it was the eve of Armageddon! Mark Williams, depping for Paul Edis, slotted in seamlessly. His solos building from tentative probes to volcanic eruptions that relegated Mount Etna to the Europa League.
Equally awesome was Gary Turner - he blows with forked tongue, achieving on tenor what Roland Kirk needed three horns to do. The Turner Prize takes on a whole new meaning when Gary blows.
Richard Burns also burned, albeit slightly more sedately. However, with two other brassmen waiting in the wings, he knew this wasn't a night for coasting. Paul Susans didn't rest on his laurels either but gave a masterclass in bass guitar playing much appreciated and applauded by the music students at the front row tables.
Rob Walker - what a driver! With the storm he kicks up you either put up or shut up.
They put up!
Still there is more. Being Christmas, something extra was needed.
Something extra arrived in the form of guest musicians Graham Hardy and David Gray.
Trumpet ace Hardy had an extended blast in the first set, trombonist Gray in the second with both combining for a finale that sounded like an avant garde band playing Dixieland (or vice versa) - it was exciting to say the least.
This was one great start to the festive season - not a "Bah Humbug" to be heard!
Photos.
Photos.
Lance.
Sounds like a fab gig, Lance! I'd have been there, for sure - had I not been wallowing in another glorious Motown fantasy night!
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