Big Muddy @ Ashington Jazz Club - September 6

Dave Weisser (cornet & vocals), Gordon Brown (alto saxophone & clarinet), John Haylock (baritone saxophone), Nigel Robson (trombone), Lionel Hehir (guitar), Jude Murphy (bass & vocals) & Stu Halliday (drums) + Bob Wade (trumpet)

(Review by Russell)

Ashington Jazz Club has endured tough times, not least declining audiences, yet the spirit remains to continue come what may. The Elephant on Newbiggin Road is a big barn of a place, the upstairs jazz room recently redecorated, just in time to welcome Big Muddy. A potent mix of jazz and blues, funk and rock, the seven piece, fronted by multi instrumentalist Jude Murphy, were to make friends with many here in Ashington thanks to a committed, good time performance.

 Mingus, Monk and Nutini. Undoubtedly a first at a jazz gig, Mingus and Monk, yes, but Paolo Nutini a most unlikely choice! Jude Murphy led from the front; energetic bass playing, strong vocals and a winning smile. To Murphy’s left, Lionel Hehir’s Telecaster played it bluesy, the horns to her right, the beating jazz heart, and the man at the back, drummer Stu Halliday, hammering it home. Everyday, sang Dave Weisser…Everyday, I Have the Blues. Wow! We knew DW could sing, but this was one of those ‘I was there’ moments. Absolutely brilliant*.

Nostalgia in Times Square, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore – horns soloing; Gordon Brown, alto, John Haylock, baritone, and the big sound of ’bone man Nigel Robson. A surprise choice, and what a choice, Put it Where You Want it, grooved like a Crusader’s greasy spoon.      

Big Muddy invited second set guest Bob Wade to join them on the stand. Meeting for the first time, a set list agreed during the interval pitched Wade’s precise statements alongside Weisser’s muted cornet. Georgia sang Weisser with Wade’s trumpet for accompaniment, prompting DW to exclaim: What a great trumpet player, c’mon! Hayburner followed, Kenny Burrell’s Chitlins Con Carne heard Hehir’s funky Telecaster, all were having a good time. Jude Murphy chose to sing the Annie Ross lyrics to Twisted  based upon a Wardell Grey tenor solo. Weisser and John Haylock’s baritone sax brought it in, Murphy remembered the words, and Wade had his say too with more great trumpet playing. Royal Garden Blues gave Gordon Brown an excuse to pick up his clarinet and Bob Wade knew this one inside out. All too soon it was almost time to go. Jude Murphy thanked the Ashington Jazz Club crowd for being an appreciative audience and Big Muddy went out on Show Me the Way to go Home.      

Russell

* Note to jazz promoters: Dave Weisser sings the Blues. Book DW with a bluesy piano player and you’ve got yourself a full house.