(Review/photos by Roly)
Something a
bit different at Blaydon last night. Two excellent trios playing one set each.
First up
was the Giles Strong Trio - Giles
Strong (guitar); Ian Paterson (double bass); Dean Stockdale (piano).
Some tasty playing as you might expect from Giles, whose boppish playing also
reflects the influence of greats such as Wes, Joe Pass and Jim Hall but with also
a nod to the light rhythm playing of Herb Ellis in the Oscar Peterson Trio.
Immaculate
playing from Stockdale and Paterson too with some great soloing. A nice set of
tunes chosen between Giles & Dean and I particularly liked Alice in Wonderland played with a long
intro improvising over a hypnotic pedal and ending the same way.
Set list
– Alone Together, A Beautiful Friendship, Out of Nowhere, Driftin’ (Herbie
Hancock), Gone with the Wind, Alice in Wonderland, You’d Be So Nice To Come
Home To.
Second set
was the Bradley Johnston Trio. He
started with a solo piece based on the Joe Pass solo guitar famed from the
‘Virtuoso’ recordings. I Can’t Get Started was played with flawless Pass-like
technique and if Joe had been there he would doubtless have applauded. Then joined
by Paul Grainger bass and Russ Morgan
drums we enjoyed a contrasting set of originals and standards all played
with great musicianship.
Set List
– For Joe (BJ), Only Trust Your Heart, Nuages, For Frisell (BJ), Heather’s
Waltz (BJ), Douce Ambience, Turn of Time (BJ) and ‘S Wonderful.
I reflected
on how, in 2009, a young 14 year old lad came to Blaydon for a nervous sit in.
Look at him now in 2019. All in all a smashing gig and thoroughly enjoyed by
all.
Roly
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