The Ray Dales Quartet @ Dormans Jazz Club Middlesbrough - July 11

Ray Dales (alto sax) Jeremy McMurray (piano) Keith Peberdy (bass) Paul Smith (drums)

(Review by Ron H)

When four well-known local jazz musicians of this calibre play together, the audience can expect a night of both interesting and exciting interpretations of jazz classics.

They weren’t disappointed!

The first set opened with one of Ray's favourites complete with a blistering sax intro to an up-tempo version of  Secret Love. Equally impressive solos followed setting the standard for the night.

A more relaxed It Could Happen To You was followed by a Peter Carter arrangement of I'm Old Fashioned played as a Bossa Nova – Jeremy was outstanding.

A favourite of mine, Jerome Kern’s All The Things You Are, was beautifully played as was Weaver Of Dreams. The set closed with a fast and precisely played version of the Miles Davis classic Four. 

A lively start was made to the second set with Sonny Rollins Pent Up House that included an excellent bass solo from Keith and Paul showing his metal on drums with a superb solo.

My Foolish Heart - a tasteful piano and sax intro featured Ray at his very best. 

Gerry Mulligan’s North Atlantic Run was followed by a rarely heard jazz version of Shaker Song by Manhattan Transfer.

After a night of such great jazz the audience demanded an encore so the well-known Sunny brought the evening to a close.  

An excellent night of jazz played  by the quartet who were brought together by Ray, in keeping with the high standards of the guest nights.

Thanks as usual go to Dormans Club for their help and support in running the jazz club.  

Ron H