Take it to the Bridge - Remembering Barrie Ascroft @ The Globe - Oct. 3.

Dave Weisser (cornet/vocals); Nigel ? (flugel); Jude Murphy (alto/flute/vocals/piano); Rachel Richman, Cormac Loane, A.N. Other (altos); ?  (soprano); Bernie Ranson (tenor); Roy Stephenson (guitar); Alan Law (piano); Dave Parker (bass); John Bradford (drums).

(Review by Lance).

There was an empty feeling as the piano was ominously silent whilst the band set up. Dave Weisser shared photos and memories of Barrie Ascroft and more than a few hugs were shared as they prepared for the opener - appropriately titled Mr. Rascal. Composed by the late Barrie it's a catchy theme. Jude played piano (is there any instrument this lady doesn't play?) until Alan Law arrived and took over.

Eleven musicians kicked off. Some I knew and some I didn't but all sincere and determined to do Barrie's memory proud. It became twelve with the arrival of Cormac Loane who had drawn accolades at Monkseaton on Tuesday and did likewise today.

However, although Take it to the Bridge is part jam session and part workshop, this wasn't a cutting contest but rather a group of like-minded individuals working together as a team and, as such, to single out individuals would be unfair. Suffice to say that Barrie would have been proud to see the show going on and, in Alan Law, couldn't have had a better dep.

Apart from Mr. Rascal we had Caravan; Nuages; Love For Sale (vocals from both Jude and Dave Weisser on this one) a riff-laden version of Ornithology (bop vocal from Jude); a piece based on Trane's Lonnie's Lament and Night and Day (more vocal magic).

It may not seem a lot of tunes but with 11/12 soloists per number, there was hardly time for much more.

A poignant and yet enjoyable evening.

Photos.

Lance

PS: Photo of Barrie (top right) sent to me by Jude.