Simon Spillett (tenor sax); Paul Edis (piano); Andy Champion (bass); Abbie Finn (drums).
(Review by Lance/photo courtesy of Zoë Gilby)
Years ago Johnny Griffin was dubbed 'The Fastest Gun in the West' although, at this side of the Atlantic, Tubby Hayes could also have laid claim to the title. Both are now long gone but the title surely lives on in the form of Simon Spillett who can handle more notes than Ladbrokes on Grand National day. Musical notes, of course. If musicians were paid by the number of notes just as some writers are paid by the number of words then J.K. Rowling would be a pauper by comparision with Simon - in a perfect world!
Just as he had done at the Gala lunchtime session, the tenor player unleashed his prodigious technique that left many mesmerised - awesome!
(Photo courtesy of Jerry)
With the exception of Trane's Blues and the encore Cherokee, the programme looks to have been practically identical so I can only confirm that everything that Russell wrote in the previous post regarding Simon and Paul was spot on. However, tonight there was the added bonus of Andy Champion and Abbie Finn. Both slotted in to the manner born.
The room should have been packed as it had been at the Gala but perhaps twice in one day was too much for those of a nervous disposition, or possibly some got lost as I did - and my Sat Nav and I have been to Ushaw several times - or, most likely, because the Darlo Jazz Festival was taking place down the road. Maybe some even stayed at home to watch Jazz 625 on BBC4.
Whatever, it was their loss.
Lance
1 comment :
I'd just like to tip the hat to Lance Liddle who came up with an absolute corker of a description in his review of my Ushaw gig last Friday. Would that more reviewers had his turn of phrase. 'Spillett can handle more notes than Ladbroke's on Grand National Day.'
I rather like that.
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