Paul Grainger (bass); Alan Law (piano); Rob Walker (drums) + John Rowland (tenor); Ben Richardson (piano); Roly Veitch (guitar); Jordan Alfonso (alto); Archie Williamson (drums).
(Review by Lance).
They weren't queuing up to jam this week but quality beats quantity every time and this one had plenty of the former.
The trio set the standard with It Could Happen to You; There is no Greater Love and How High the Moon. Grainger took the lead on Moon and Walker backed him up with some hand-drumming that made me wonder why he bothers with sticks, that's how effective it was.
Autumn Leaves brought John Rowland on to the pitch for a strangely delicate version of one of the jammers' favourites.
Next to put his head on the chopping block was post-graduate pianist Richardson. Scintillating versions of A Foggy Day and Afternoon in Paris ensured that the services of Madame Guillotine weren't required.
Rowland returned for Love me or Leave me which had more hand-drumming from Walker in a spirited exchange with the tenor player.
The interval came and went and the second set saw a first time Dun Cow appearance by Roly Veitch. Roly, who scored big at the recent Middlesbrough extravaganza, was joined by the heir apparent to the alto throne, Jordan Alfonso. Love For Sale saw the two sitters-in doing Cole Porter justice before setting out their own stall. John Rowland, once more loomed into view making for a good ensemble sound.
Donna Lee was Formula One fast. Fingers flew and the notes cascaded out of the horn at around about the speed of light. Phew!
Time to unwind and what better way than to remember April? Roly and I'll Remember April is a guaranteed recipe to soothe the savaged breast. Cool guitar playing, all that was missing was a Veitch vocal.
All the Things You Are, the national anthem of jam sessions brought the runners into the home straight but it wasn't over yet.
Moanin' with the two horns out front and a rhythm section to die for brought the night to a resounding climax with Alfonso's solo, arguably, the blast of the night!
None of this would have been possible without the ace trio and drummer Archie Williamson who gave Walker a spell (to apply some healing lotion to his hands?).
Back on November 14.
Lance.
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