(Review by Lance/photo of Dave & Jude by Russell)Photo Album
To call this the Gig of the Year would be to do a disservice to the many fine sessions that have taken place at the Jazz Coop headquarters and elsewhere in the region. However, to not call this the Gig of the Year would be to do an even greater disservice to a man who has (relatively speaking) probably done more to encourage emerging jazz talent than any school or college this side of Berklee, Mass.
I refer, of course, to Dave Weisser who celebrated his 80th birthday at the Globe with the help of the Railway St. regulars and a few of the local big hitters.
I don't know all the names but they included Dave Parker, Andrew Porritt (bass); Doug Kennard (piano); Peter Ninnim, Stan Praszczalek, John Bradford (drums); Johannes Dalhuitsen (tenor sax); Pete Bennett (guitar/flute); Roy Stephenson (guitar); Nigel Robson (trombone); Nigel Greenwood (alto sax/trumpet).
And, of course, the main man himself - Dave - blowing muted cornet and singing in his own distinctive way.
The room was filling up and friends old and new became reacquainted relegating the music, unforgivably, but understandingly, to wallpaper.
The bar was doing good business and it is a credit to the new manager/tenant that Marston's Pedigree was absolutely first-class which, in truth, hasn't always been the case here.
The buffet was declared open and, it has to be said, that Jude did us proud. Jude also did us proud when she took to the stage on bass guitar along with the guitar legend that is John Wilson and, on drums, John Bradford later replaced by Stan, the drummer with the unpronounceable surname, and Doug Kennard on piano. The game was afoot.
Night and Day by the Take it to the Bridge team seemed to last for as long as the title implied. This isn't a criticism just that there were a lot of solos to fit in.
Then Paul Gowland, the artist formerly known as 'Blue Hat' but now wearing a black hat - Johnny Davis - and Showtime Gray approached the stage rather like the James gang riding towards the bank in Northfield, Minnesota.
The battleground was There Will Never be Another You and the horns went for it big! However, it was unanimous that that title could only refer to the Birthday boy himself.
Alan Law was at the keyboard and, Jude went from bass guitar to flute to voice - she does them all perfectly. Paul Grainger played bass and Mo Scott set the world on fire with Route 66.
And, of course, the main man himself - Dave - blowing muted cornet and singing in his own distinctive way.
The room was filling up and friends old and new became reacquainted relegating the music, unforgivably, but understandingly, to wallpaper.
The bar was doing good business and it is a credit to the new manager/tenant that Marston's Pedigree was absolutely first-class which, in truth, hasn't always been the case here.
The buffet was declared open and, it has to be said, that Jude did us proud. Jude also did us proud when she took to the stage on bass guitar along with the guitar legend that is John Wilson and, on drums, John Bradford later replaced by Stan, the drummer with the unpronounceable surname, and Doug Kennard on piano. The game was afoot.
Night and Day by the Take it to the Bridge team seemed to last for as long as the title implied. This isn't a criticism just that there were a lot of solos to fit in.
Then Paul Gowland, the artist formerly known as 'Blue Hat' but now wearing a black hat - Johnny Davis - and Showtime Gray approached the stage rather like the James gang riding towards the bank in Northfield, Minnesota.
The battleground was There Will Never be Another You and the horns went for it big! However, it was unanimous that that title could only refer to the Birthday boy himself.
Alan Law was at the keyboard and, Jude went from bass guitar to flute to voice - she does them all perfectly. Paul Grainger played bass and Mo Scott set the world on fire with Route 66.
The joint was still jumpin' when my taxi arrived - quite a night!
Same time next year Dave.
Lance
Photos.
Same time next year Dave.
Lance
Photos.
5 comments :
Such lovely words Lance, and really glad you could make it to the party.
A few extra names for you - Pete Bennett was on guitar and flute; and the full name of the multitasking Nigel on alto sax and flugelhorn is Nigel Greenwood.
Also, the drummer with John Wilson and me was John Bradford. Stan took over when Doug Kennard took to the stand to play his lovely song "Sleepless".
Thanks to everyone for making Dave's big night really special
Jude x
I wish that I had known about Dave's party - we go back a long way.
Can anyone help me to contact him.
Cheers.
Every Wednesday at The Globe - 8:00pm - bring your horn.
Thanks Jude, details now amended. Great night.
Alan, if you log in to Bebop Spoken Here daily you'll never evr miss a gig again and, if you do, you'll be able to read about it the next day.
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