DJazz: The Durham City Jazz Festival: The Riviera Quartet - June 2

Pete Tanton (trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); Russ Morgan (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Pete Tanton’s Riviera Quartet made a return visit to Empty Shop to play a gig at this year’s DJazz weekend. Bassist John Pope wasn’t available on the night so Tanton gave Andy Champion a call. You could say that was a good move. 35c Framwellgate Bridge was full to overflowing to hear the amiable American play trumpet, lots of flugelhorn, and sing. Yes, Pete Tanton sings! The Rivieras offer something different, serious chops, yes, but, more than that, a distinctive sound, all the more distinctive with the recent addition of Tanton’s sweet vocals.

It was late last year at Empty Shop that BSH encountered an example of the ‘sound of surprise’ – Pete Tanton’s vocals. A plaintive, wistful quality to his vocals, they are, at risk of mixing metaphors, another string to the trumpeter’s bow. Tanton and guitarist Mark Williams are the Rivieras’ principal composers and on this festival gig, the set list was drawn from the band’s recently released CD.

Turf War (a waltz), Barbados (if only!) with Tanton’s lyrical flugelhorn leading the way, the level of musicianship exhibited by all four musicians of the highest order. Lately I’ve Been Lonely (Tanton the wistful vocalist can only be Johnny Lonely, the eponymous character in the American’s highly readable novel). In the same vein, You Don’t Smile Anymore. Once heard, try getting the lyric out of your head. Depping bassist Andy Champion couldn’t have been more at home, fitting in as if he was a founding member of the band. The Riviera Quartet’s gigs are few and far between. Be sure to check them out.  

Russell.