Mingus Big Band: Alex Sipiagin, Philip Harper, Alex Norris (trumpets); Andy Hunter, Conrad Herwig (trombones); Earl McIntyre (bass trombone); Abraham Burton (tenor sax), Wayne Escoffrey (tenor sax); Alex Terrier (alto sax), Brandon Wright (alto sax); Lauren Sevian (baritone sax); Helen Sung (piano); Boris Kozlov (double bass); Donald Edwards (drums)
(Review by Lance)
If I was on a high last night after the APPJAG awards ("Not that again" I hear you say!) well tonight, I was on an even bigger high after hearing the Mingus Big Band - they were nothing less than sensational. However, as they play another few nights at Ronnie's and are at the Middlesbrough Jazz Weekender on Sunday I'm not going to do a 'spoiler' and give you a blow by blow account. Instead, I'll merely say, miss it at your peril.
Afterward, I floated down Frith St., not even contemplating the delights of a Thai Massage or the neon sign that said, simply, Girls, Girls, Girls. No, tonight really was the business and, if you've ever heard a better big band session it must have been hearing Mingus himself at New York Town Hall way back when.
If I was on a high last night after the APPJAG awards ("Not that again" I hear you say!) well tonight, I was on an even bigger high after hearing the Mingus Big Band - they were nothing less than sensational. However, as they play another few nights at Ronnie's and are at the Middlesbrough Jazz Weekender on Sunday I'm not going to do a 'spoiler' and give you a blow by blow account. Instead, I'll merely say, miss it at your peril.
Afterward, I floated down Frith St., not even contemplating the delights of a Thai Massage or the neon sign that said, simply, Girls, Girls, Girls. No, tonight really was the business and, if you've ever heard a better big band session it must have been hearing Mingus himself at New York Town Hall way back when.
This Sunday, change New York Town Hall to Middlesbrough Town Hall - You will certainly not regret it. Book now!
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Leo Richardson Quartet: Leo Richardson Quartet (tenor sax); Rick Simpson (piano); Tim Thornton (double bass); Ed Richardson (drums)
The opening set was by the Leo Richardson Quartet and, on any other night, in any other place in the world, they would be unbeatable. And perhaps they were from a small group point of view. I waxed eloquent over the group's initial album, released last year, and hearing them live was another moment to bookmark.
Teessider Simpson, who will be at Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon with Hailey Tuck, played some amazing piano, Richardson (Leo) proved to be equally dazzling - how can any man play so many notes without losing his way? Richardson (Ed), who isn't related, drove the band to Birdland and back whilst bassman Thornton kept the whole caboodle from going off track.
What a night - 2 great bands.
I need to lie down in a darkened room!
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Earlier, whilst browsing in Skoob Books. I met up with Nigel Mooney, blues guitarist/singer. We agreed that it was amazing to have two bookshops (Judd Books was the other) with such an excellent selection of jazz in the same street. Could only happen in London. Nice to have met you Nigel.
Lance.
1 comment :
Ah - fabulous! I'm seeing the Mingus Big Band on Sunday - and I'm even more excited now, after reading your review, Lance. It's amazing you managed to write such a coherently enthusiastic one after all the highs from your London trip!
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