Easter Early Birds @ The Jazz Café – April 15

(Review by Russell)

A bright and breezy Saturday morning. Their regular Saturday morning workshop done, the Early Birds were ready to admit the paying public. Teenage musicians under the tutelage of Paul Edis, the Early Birds develop apace and an audience keeps on turning up to hear what they’ve been up to. The half hour set flies by, just enough time to drink that coffee (or beer) and scoff a Jazz Café scone (home made by Natalie).

Baritone saxophonist Ryan De Silva led the way on But Not For Me followed by Matthew Downey, guitar. Ben Lawrence playing keyboards suggested a tune of his own (the title temporarily alludes your reviewer), a tune deservedly in the pad alongside time-honoured material. MD Paul Edis, on flute, James Metcalf, flugel (on loan from Mr G Hardy), and the composer himself, the soloists.

Bassist Alex Shipsey is a listening musician, excellent throughout, sat to the left of Berklee-bound drummer Matthew MacKellar. RNCM undergraduate Dan Lawrence depped, albeit briefly, for Alex Shipsey, and the other Alex, Alex Thompson, blew some good alto on My Favourite Things. Thirty minutes later…time to go out on Bird’s Yardbird Suite. The next Early Bird session, date TBC, will be at the Lit and Phil. Eleven o’clock on a Saturday, you’re coming into town anyway, so, drop by the Lit & Phil to catch up with what’s going on. Two pounds on the door, it’s well worth it.

You don’t have to wait too long to hear some of these young musicians again. This Tuesday (April 18) there will be a contingent of them at the Jazz Café’s jam session. Free admission, eight o’clock start, you won’t believe how good they are. Go on, make the effort, you’ll conclude that jazz is alive and kicking!   Russell.       

James Metcalf (trumpet & flugelhorn), Alex Thompson (alto saxophone), Ryan De Silva (baritone saxophone), Matthew Downey (guitar), Ben Lawrence (keyboards), Alex Shipsey (bass), Matthew MacKellar (drums) & Paul Edis (MD, flute) + Dan Lawrence (bass)