Jamie Toms (tenor saxophone), Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar), Richard Campbell (piano), Liam Gaughan (bass) & Dave McKeague (drums).
(Review by Lance).
A few diehards plus family and friends made up the core of the audience for this Jazz Coop gig - perhaps the outbreak of Lazyitus that Patti referred to in a previous post is turning into an epidemic of pandemic proportions. Those who weren't present last night should contact their GP immediately. Oh no! They can't - it's Good Friday!
Those who were present heard some excellent original material. Contemporary without being extreme.
The strangely named quintet hit the deck running on a strangely named composition - MCT. Composer Toms blew a marathon tenor solo of Gonsalves-like longevity. A sticky G# key notwithstanding, this was the business. Bass guitar and guitar kept the ball in play driven forward by McKeague's forceful drumming and Campbell's frenetic 'comping' this set a high benchmark; not just for themselves but for any band.
Several numbers were from the band's recent album and others were even newer. Some had been played at previous gigs and some hadn't.
Physical featured Toms' Coltranic tenor as well as wild guitar thrashing from Pawel J. Russian Girl Who Speaks English began with a gentle, probing intro from guitar and piano although it didn't stay that way for long!
Floating High, by pianist Campbell was something to behold. Ostensibly in 3 or was it 6 or 27? I wasn't counting just enjoying the triplicity of the meter.
Telling Tales, inexplicitly, had the feel of a cèilidh band who'd od'd on poteen. Possibly the best number of the evening. It's Not me it's You featured Dave McKeague. The north east has a plethora of ace skin men at present and Dave is right up there with them.
And so the evening rolled on. Superb playing by all five. This is a band to catch again and again, unlike the number 12 bus*
Lance.
*I had to forego the last couple of numbers in order to catch the number 12 due at 22:34. It was on time but, despite my outstretched hand, failed to stop. Now I'm all in favour of equal opportunities for the blind but, as bus drivers?
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