Jeremy McMurray (piano); Mark Toomey (alto sax); Paul Donnelly (guitar); Peter Ayton (bass); Richard Brown (drums).
(Review by Ron H).
Jazz at Dormans got off to a fine start with our first guest band of 2019 - the Pocket Jazz Orchestra, led by pianist Jeremy McMurray.
The night began in great style with the Miles Davis composition Four followed by a swinging version of Jimmy Van Heusen’s It Could Happen to You.
A melodic East of the Sun (and West of The Moon) showed how tight the ‘orchestra’ was as a unit and how strong the individuals’ soloing abilities are.
The first set closed with a rousing rendition of Tenor Madness. Richard's excellent drumming and an outstanding guitar solo from Paul complemented some alto madness from Mark.
A beautiful original by Mark, These Rainy Summer Days, played as a fast bossa, started the second half with the composer in fine form and some effective piano from Jeremy.
A fast swinging Stella By Starlight, included an impressive bass solo from Peter, and a hard-driving Work Song, preceded another of Mark's compositions, Where Can We Go From Here? again played over a bossa nova rhythm.
The night was brought to a close with Monk's Straight No Chaser.
An evening of top-class jazz played to a good-sized audience who showed their unrestrained appreciation of a popular and deservedly successful Teesside band.
Ron H.
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