Greg Abate (alto sax); Paul Edis (piano)
(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Malcolm Sinclair).
There was little sign of a break in the prolonged spell of fine weather and upon arriving at Durham's Gala Theatre Greg Abate and Paul Edis were sitting on the terrace putting together a set list for their lunchtime gig. Invariably the venue's monthly jazz concert is a sellout and today's performance didn't depart from the script.
Secret Love to start with the American post-bop alto saxophonist Greg Abate taking the tune to town, throwing down the gauntlet to pianist Paul Edis and it came as no surprise that the north east's finest was more than up to the mark. Bye Bye Blackbird, Edis, then Abate, making solo statements, a sensitive reading of Alone Together followed by a corker...Parker's Mood with it's stop time chorus and Abate's mid-solo cry of 'Yeah!'
Pianist Paul Edis is a match for anyone and he took the honours with some exceptional work on Bronislaw Kaper's On Green Dolphin Street. Abate paid homage to fellow master alto saxophonist Jackie McLean on Dig and in typically casual fashion our Stateside guest suggested: Why don't you start this one, Paul? as they took it down on I Remember April.
This July edition of Paul Edis' monthly lunchtime promotions at the Gala proved to be of the highest quality and, to emphasise the point, their take on A Night in Tunisia would have had Dizzy cheering them on from the wings.
Russell
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