Matt Wates (alto sax); Steve Fishwick (trumpet); Leon Greening (piano); Julian Berry (bass); Matt Fishwick (drums).
(Review by Lance).
A visit to London without calling in at the Spice of Life is, for me, like going to Paris and not visiting The Louvre and my latest visit did indeed produce some masterpieces. Hard bop certainly lives in London.
Although nothing could compare with the previous evening's session at Pizza this one came within a whisker - to be sure it did.
The affable Irishman, Wates, blew breathtaking alto - Cannonball lives! - ably partnered by fiery trumpet man Fishwick, driven along by Fishwick the drum and held well together by bassist Berry. However, the star for me was pianist Greening. It had been some years since I last heard him which, I think, was at Scarborough Jazz Festival. He stole the show then and did so once more going by the reaction of the crowded room.
One delightful number Lisa (not to be confused with Gershwin's Liza) prompted Wates to announce that it was dedicated to anyone who is or was called Lisa! If he didn't play such great alto he could do stand-up!
Not many ballads but You've Changed hit the spot. The waltzes Hill Street and Waltz For Manon may not have got a "Ten from Len" but they certainly did from me!
The session ended with Tom Harrell's Train Shuffle - "imagine you're on the 5:15 to Basingstoke" quipped Wates.
Interestingly the grand piano has been replaced by an upright - to make space for more seats I guess. It didn't hold young Leon back - what a player!
Two down and one to go - watch this space!
Lance
PS: Looks like rain - best have another beer!
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