Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe - April 12

(Review/photo by Russell).

Dave Weisser thumbed through the pad, these days looking more like an ultra rare British Library ‘by appointment’ reference-only tome, picked out a few tunes, handed out the old school dots to the orchestra and we were under way. Wayne Shorter, Nat Adderley, and A Foggy Day – a first vocal for Jude Murphy accompanied by a fine solo from guitarist Roy Stephenson.

The Jazz Co-op’s piano was to Barry Ascroft’s liking, although it was somewhat difficult  to hear the man for much of the evening with the frontline horns trading solos for fun. An interesting line-up this evening with regular altos Murphy and Rachel Richman joined by fellow altoist Bernie Ranson, and the big sound of tenor player Johannes Dalhuitjsen, and Nigel Robson boldly blowing ‘bone with a hint of Gary Valente in there somewhere. The multi-talented Jude Murphy played flute on Falling in Love with Love, accompanied once more to good effect by Roy Stephenson.               

Trumpeter Ray Johnson led the frontline (with workshop maestro Weisser content to take a back seat, literally sitting down a la Preservation Hall veterans!), soloing with authority. 

Second set…with refills in hand, ‘bar manager’ Debra Milne took the opportunity to join  the band to sing a couple numbers; first Corcovado, then Black Coffee with just about all chipping in with a solo. Main Man Weisser sang Zawinul’s Mercy, Mercy Mercy. If you are yet to hear the man sing, get along to the Jazz Co-op’s HQ at the Globe on Railway Street on April 27 to hear a treat – Weisser will be in the company of pianist Alan Law. An evening of fine jazz singing and piano playing is in store.

Jude Murphy insisted it was Only a Paper Moon and the Barnum and Bailey show heard from Weisser again, insisting There will Never Be Another You. The engine room boys – Matt Long, bass, and drummer Matt Fairhurst – worked non stop and we went out on Bye Bye Blackbird, set up nicely by Barnum (Weisser) and Bailey (Murphy) singing the first verse, followed by a further round of solos, concluding with Fairhurst’s adept handling of the obligatory fours. An anticipated set by Lickety Split was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. A rescheduled date has been agreed. Eddie Bellis’ outfit will be Weisser’s guests on Wednesday 17 May.             

Russell.

Dave Weisser (cornet & vocals), Ray Johnson (trumpet), Jude Murphy (alto saxophone, flute & vocals), Bernie Ranson (alto saxophone), Rachel Richman (alto saxophone), Johannes Dalhuitjsen (tenor saxophone), Nigel Robson (trombone), Roy Stephenson (guitar), Barry Ascroft (piano), Matt Long (bass) & Matthew Fairhurst (drums)+ bar manager Debra Milne (vocals)