April 30 - International Jazz Day. From St. Petersburg to Shoreditch to Newcastle and all points north, south, east and west the celebrations were taking place. Didn't you see the headlines in your local newspaper? Perhaps not.
Most of the big hitters were in St. Pete's and it would seem the Russians did them proud. Down in Shoreditch, in the opulent Town Hall, the celebrations were held in conjunction with the Jazz FM Awards which will be duly reviewed by our roving reporter Steve T. In Newcastle there was also a dual celebration at the less opulent Globe Jazz Bar, home of the Jazz Co-op.
Four years to the day, The Jazz Co-op bought the pub and turned it into a venue featuring both local and national musicians and, on occasion, international musicians e.g. this coming Sunday (May 6) in a co-promotion with JNE, they present Pericopes + 1, an Italian/New York trio.
Last night though, the emphasis was on those local musicians who have helped keep the show on the road so to speak.
I know it is unfair to single out individuals but I think there are few who would dispute the ultra-outstanding performance by the guitar duo of Bradley Johnston and James Birkett. In a perfect world these two guys would have been on the bill with Herbie Hancock and co. in St. Petersburg or picking up an award in Shoreditch. Their loss was our gain as we marvelled at the technique and empathy displayed by the two players. From Carl Kress and Dick McDonough to Pat Metheny (who, incidentally, was at Shoreditch picking up an award) they dazzled. Four Brothers could have been four saxes and if you ever hear Cherokee played by anyone else, this is the yardstick to judge it by.
Earlier, regulars from the monthly Sunday afternoon Am Jam sessions formed a quintet led by guitarist Keith Barrett and, as relative newcomers to jazz, they impressed. Sorry, I didn’t catch the names (somebody help me).
Four were actually a sextet (Mel Grundy - vocals; Andrew Guerin - trumpet; Bernie Ranson - alto/tenor; David Herbert - keys; Harry Hussaini - bass guitar; Ben Chilcott - drums)
Mel on vocals didn't take the easy route but chose some tricky numbers; Beautiful Love, Night and Day, I'm Foolin' Myself and Some Other Time. She handled them well. Ranson blew Lesterish tenor on Foolin' whilst Guerin's trumpet solo on Beautiful Love suggests we will be hearing more of him.
Dave Weisser's Take it to the Bridge sessions have been running, at various venues, for longer than a John Coltrane solo and have nurtured many a rising talent in the process. Twelve good men (and women) true to the cause took to the stage and impressed
Again, I didn't catch all of the names so my apologies to those I've missed, misspelled, or got totally wrong.
Dave Weisser (cornet/vocal/congas); Jude Murphy (flute/alto); Rachel Richman (alto); George Sykes (tenor); Barry Ascroft (keys); Stan, (the drummer with the vowelless surname); Roy Stephenson, Matthew Long (guitars); Drew ? (bass); Nigel ? (flugel); Johannes Dahluijsen (tenor); ?? (flute).
Please correct or advise me on any inaccuracies or additions.
Needless to say, it was a rousing set with good solos all round.
Time was catching up with me and, regrettably, I had to leave after Blue Jazz Sextet's versions of Tenor Madness and Skylark and so missed Indigo Voices and Budtet. However, we still had a BSH presence so watch this space and well-done Jazz Co-op for your superb dual celebration.
Lance.
PS: The food was also first class!
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