Paul Edis Sextet @ Ushaw College - July 29

Paul Edis (Piano); Graham Hardy (Trumpet, Flugel); Graeme Wilson (Tenor, Flute, Baritone); Chris Hibbard (Trombone); Mick Shoulder (Bass); Adam Sinclair (Drums).

(Review by Steve T).

My mission, which I chose to accept, is to complete this review without the need to Read More.

Tangle Foot (four bottles), the splendour of Ushaw College, Lord Paul, another five of the hottest musicians from Edinburgh to Darlo and a little over thirty keen Jazz souls spread across all tables, which isn't half bad for mid-summer.

The Timothys to the delight of the four Early Birds there, Adam clattering his kit like I don't think I've heard him before. 

Cluster Fluster and I hear Duke and Mingus but its writer hears Gil Evans. For formal composition, are there three better in the Jazz idiom?

Ravelations, get it? Ravel, Debussy! Via Trane, a hint of Favourite Things during a splendid tenor solo, already rich with Trane, and McCoy Edis responds.

Inevitably, more Mingus influence on Ah Hum which Paul cites as one of his best albums, but to these ears, it's the best Jazz album I know that isn't by Miles.

Some more Mingus in Paul’s sketch of Spain, Knight Errant, mixed seamlessly with influences from Miles and Gil Evans, Chick Corea and more Ravel.

Angular, Administrate This featuring, I think, the most powerful muted horn playing I've ever heard. Graham’s mute and particularly Chris' trombone are crucial in bringing the Mingus sound to the sextet; for me the most under-rated of all the Jazz giants.

Mr Hipster, Eastern and I could barely keep it together for Missing You so I don't know how Lady Kate, for whom it was written, managed.

Lost in Translation sounds like classic American TV cop show and left me suspicious that part of Pauls' secret is he's ambidextrous.

Blues for Dad proved an excellent finale, Micks' sumptuous bass solo taking possibly the strongest applause of the night, Adam still on all cylinders and a great head from the assembled horns.

Incredible I thought during the gig, not just one but two musicians on stage - well, carpet - who can play their own music exclusively, which can compare favourably with anything coming out of the UK or Europe.

Did I make it? I blew it didn't I!

Steve T.