Sue Ferris (tenor sax, flute); Paul Edis (piano); Mick Shoulder (double
bass)
(Review by Russell/Photos
courtesy of Jerry E)
Three top
class musicians - bandleader Sue Ferris arrived with minutes to spare, Paul
Edis a little earlier and Mick Shoulder, as promoter of Bishop Auckland's
monthly jazz gig, was on the premises in good time to ensure things were set
fair. A Sue Ferris Trio gig is an occasional happening and when it happens it's
one that shouldn't be missed. Quite a few fans thought along similar lines and
as the one o'clock start approached the Merry Monk was comfortably full.
No
rehearsal, none required, Sue, Paul and Mick opened with Ellington's Just
Squeeze Me. A round of solos - tenor sax, piano, bass - set the ball
rolling, it was going to be a good one. Miles Davis' Four -
Sue perceptively commenting that the number would be played by three (the trio)
- once again featured a round of solos, this time in a different order, first
Paul, followed by Sue, then Mick.
Bandleader
Ferris plays a mean baritone sax but the big beast wasn't required today.
Instead it was tenor sax all the way with a couple of tunes on flute. And SF is
a fabulous flautist! A Child is Born, then Witchcraft.
A flute double header, great stuff with pianist Paul fleetingly quoting I'm
Beginning to See the Light during a swinging, bluesy solo.
Lerner
and Loewe's Almost Like Being in Love sparked audience debate
- was it from South Pacific or Brigadoon? Brigadoon
it was. Time invariably flies at a one hour lunchtime gig and today's
performance did just that. Sue's pad could have entertained us 'til the cows
came home but, with time pressing, three further selections brought to a close
a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. First, Stanley Turrentine's Sugar,
Rodgers and Hart's My Romance and a breezy Sandu.
Top class jazz in Bishop Auckland and there's more next month. On Friday December
13, it's the Dean Stockdale Trio.
Russell.
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