(Preview by Russell)
In recent times jam sessions in Newcastle, Durham and elsewhere in the region have offered a platform to some immensely talented musicians. One of the joys of going to a session is not knowing who'll turn up. Vocalists, trumpeters, saxophonists, drummers, all of us have our favourites. For two or three years one universally popular figure lit up the scene with, no pun intended, a series of incendiary performances.
On first hearing alto saxophonist Dan Garel it was an 'I was there' moment. Over the next few years whenever Dan walked in - Jazz Cafe, Newcastle, Empty Shop, Durham - the word went round: Dan's arrived! For older readers of BSH the name Nigel Stanger (pictured right) will need little or no introduction. A cv boasting the Newcastle Big Band, John Mayall, Alexis Korner, gigs with Last Exit, alto saxophonist Stanger was 'The Man'. Since Stanger's untimely death few had come close until...In Walked Dan (there's a tune in there somewhere!). This time last year, upon graduation, Durham University music student Dan left the Land of the Prince Bishops to begin a new chapter in his life. Now he's in town for a few days and Dan will be playing a couple of gigs.
Tomorrow (Thursday 15), in the company of Mark Williams, John Pope and Russ Williams, our altoist will be playing a few tunes in Holy GrAle* on Crossgate in Durham. It's a seven o'clock start, a fiver on the door and, please note, the venue is on the tiny side of tiny. Be sure to arrive early, the Daniel Garel Quartet is going to be something special! A second gig follows on Sunday evening (18) at the Globe in Newcastle. This one - Dan Garel & Friends - is a 7:30 start, £6 (£3 student) on the door and, what's more, Dan will be tearing it up with John Pope (bass) and two of the most promising undergraduates on the scene - guitarist Francis Tulip (Birmingham Conservatoire) and Newcastle's gift to Berklee, drummer Matt MacKellar. If you've always wanted to say: I was there, then either date is the ideal opportunity. You could go to both, after all it isn't every day that Dan 'The Man' Garel walks in!
* BSH Editor-in-Chief LL pointed out the following - Holy GrAle...GrAle is an anagram of you know who!
Russell
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