Graeme Wilson Quartet: Graeme Wilson (saxophones); Paul Edis (keyboards); Andy Champion (bass); Adam Sinclair (drums)
Grandma: Graeme Wilson (saxophones); Mark Williams (guitar).
(Review by Steve H/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew).
Where better a place to spend Valentine’s night than in the upstairs room of the Bridge Hotel? Clearly the Newcastle jazz crowd are just as romantic as I am because the venue was packed for the return of the Graeme Wilson Quartet. I doubt if any candlelit dinner could have competed with the fine fare that was served up by this marvellous band on Sunday night. This was the Saint Valentine’s Day Jazz Acre.
All four musicians clearly comfortable in each others’ company produced a mighty fine set of straight ahead contemporary jazz. Not only did each individual produce tremendous solos but collectively they really managed to generate a sound and feel that the audience could really get its teeth into. My only grumble would be with bass player Andy Champion, his musicianship was exemplary as ever but he let the side down badly on the sartorial front by wearing a plain blue sweater whilst his fellow band members all sported wonderful floral shirts in keeping with the day’s theme.
All four musicians clearly comfortable in each others’ company produced a mighty fine set of straight ahead contemporary jazz. Not only did each individual produce tremendous solos but collectively they really managed to generate a sound and feel that the audience could really get its teeth into. My only grumble would be with bass player Andy Champion, his musicianship was exemplary as ever but he let the side down badly on the sartorial front by wearing a plain blue sweater whilst his fellow band members all sported wonderful floral shirts in keeping with the day’s theme.
Earlier in the evening saw the reunion of Grandma - a duet comprised of Graeme Wilson and Mark Williams. The pair play pieces composed by one another. One of the pieces introduced by Graeme was described as a Mark Williams suite, which Mark translated as three tunes in a row. The pair really did seem to inspire one another. This is the third time I have seen Mark in almost as many weeks each in a different format and I must say I enjoyed this performance the most . He really did seem to explore all the nuances of jazz guitar to their fullest. In honour of the day Grandma did one beautiful melancholic ballad composed by Wilson.
At the conclusion of the night Mark joined the quintet for a great and fitting finale. A great night enjoyed by all.
Photos.
Photos.
Steve.
No comments :
Post a Comment