Paul Donnelly (guitar); Rick Laughlin (Keys,synth); Keith
Peberdy (bass); Paul Smith (drums)
(Review by Ron H)
When four well known local musicians of this standard
came together at Dormans the audience were full of expectations and they
certainly were not disappointed.
Starting the first set with a fine swinging version of On Broadway, from the George Benson album
showed that we were in for an evening of exciting jazz. Nature Boy,
followed with inventive solos from Rick on keys, Paul Donnelly's fine octave work on
guitar and a nice bass solo from Keith coupled with the imitable Paul Smith on
drums showed how well they all played together.
Written for James Taylor, Pat Metheny's James, was followed by the ever popular
Latin piece Black Orpheus, beautifully played with great guitar
and keyboard work.A nice rhythmic Donny Hathaway number Where Is The Love, preceded the ending of the first
set
with an up tempo George Benson's Bayou which, being based on I've Got Rhythm, gave plenty of scope for inventive solos from all.
with an up tempo George Benson's Bayou which, being based on I've Got Rhythm, gave plenty of scope for inventive solos from all.
The second half started with Jingles, and Paul showing great Wes
Montgomery style guitar technique. A nice melodic jazz version of the pop
tune I Say a Little Prayer, was played before the mood was
changed with Monk's fast blues Straight
No Chaser, including a fine
solo from Rick on synthesizer and the rock ballad from Carol King's album It's Too Late.
The second set came to an end with a request for This Masquerade but after much applause from the
audience, an encore of George Benson'slAffirmation, was played in great style with a
terrific drum solo from Paul.
This quartet was one of the best ever at Dormans
with their choice and arrangements of the numbers that delighted the audience.
With thanks to Dormans Club for their support in helping
to make this Mini Jazz Festival successful.
Ron H
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