Michael McQuaid Trio: Michael McQuaid
(clarinet, alto sax); Andrew Oliver (piano); Nick Ball (drums)
(Review by Russell)
Horniblow's Hot Three it said in the
programme however David Horniblow was unavoidably detained in London (he'll
arrive in Keswick Friday) and, by chance, Michael McQuaid was on hand to step into
the breach. The London-based Aussie fronted the 'Michael McQuaid Trio' but this
wasn't a last minute, thrown together outfit. Not only has McQuaid worked on
gigs with pianist Andrew Oliver and drummer Nick Ball (two-thirds of
Horniblow's Hot Three) as a trio they've released a CD and, conveniently, he
brought along copies with him.
Pianist Andrew Oliver plays piano in
any style, from any era (the American gigged at Newcastle's erstwhile Jazz Cafe
in the most contemporary of contemporary bands) and on this Keswick engagement
he dazzled the room, frequently winning applause for his efforts. Nick Ball is
a rarity - a young musician inspired to research and perform the music of the
great early jazz drummers - and on this occasion offered a fascinating insight
into the 'bock-a-da-bock' which was the prototype of the modern jazz drummer's
hi-hat. Nick said he wished he owned one of the vintage pieces of handheld kit
but in its absence, he made one himself!
The tunes were largely familiar
including I'm Walking Through Clover, Blues in Thirds, Lost
in Meditation, Sorry, a couple of Ellington's many compositions
(Lost in Meditation and Finesse) Willow
Tree and Old Fashioned Girl. The festival was well and
truly up and running. On to the next concert...
Russell
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