Descending into the depths of the Black Swan's Jazz Café is rather like entering the Parisian jazz club La Caveau de la Huchette. I was reminded of the film Paris Blues and, although we didn't have Joanne Woodward or Diahann Carroll, we did have Debra and Minnie. Wild Man Moore arrived later.
To call last night's event a jam session is like calling Beethoven's Fifth a symphony. This was the jam session to end all jam sessions!
It began all peaceful and serene with some tasteful playing from the house trio although, had the occasion demanded it, Mark could easily have adopted the role of Wild Man. Along Came Betty followed by Could it Be You? then, along came Harry - Keeble that is.
The young tenor ace sight read the head to Wayne Shorter's Fee Fi Fo Fum before heading off into the mystical world of chord progressions. The evening was warming up!
Sure he was nervous, and so were we, but our fears were unfounded he kept his cool - think early Miles or Chet. If I Should Lose You was quite beautiful, no bravura runs that didn't come off or misguided pyrotechnics that stumbled at the last hurdle just a well thought out solo that worked. This young man will go far.
However, bedtime and school the next day precluded him hanging around for the grand finale so the grand finale was brought forward to suit.
Joining Ferg was Neville Hartley, Graham Easthope, Edgar Bell, Joel Brown and the first of the brothers Harrison (Laurence) for a blast on Caravan and Moanin'. Solos all round and our young debutant wasn't shot out of the back but kept pace with le peloton. See you next time Ferg.
Things couldn't get any hotter than this - or could they?
They could!
The Jody Grind was another belter with Showtime at his wildest with some machine gun staccato blasts the like of which have never been heard since a certain St. Valentine's Day in a Chicago garage.

Trombones x 2, saxes x 2, full rhythm section, a fitting climax to a memorable night - a proper jam session and all because Ferg had to go to school the next day!
Lance
Paul Grainger (bass); Mark Williams (guitar); Abbie Finn (drums) + Harry Keeble, Graham Easthope (tenor sax); Steve Summers (tenor/soprano saxes); Jordan Alfonso (alto sax); Ferg Kilsby (trumpet); Edgar Bell (cornet); David Gray, Neville Hartley (trombone); Charles Harrison, Laurence Harrison (guitar); Joel Brown, Alan Law, Ramtin Mehraram (keys); Michael Mather (drums); Debra Milne, Minnie Fraser (vocals).
5 comments :
Great review of a great night Lance. It could not get any better than that as they say!
The young trumpeter is going to go place without question. Very Impressive playing by a 14 year old . 14 years old ??????? Wow
We are privledged in the north east to have such talent.
Ron Ainsborough
That was some jam session debut by Ferg. The 'old guard' - Abbie, Harry, Joel et al - had better watch out!
A marvellous night made special by a 14 year old trumpet player called Ferg Kilsby whom on this evidence has a great future along with the future of north east jazz.
BRIAN SHINE
Yes indeed! Ferg was amazing - such a sweet tone, and some neat ideas. Very mature in style for a young lad. He did so well, and should feel really good about his first sit in.
Names are now added to all 22 photos of the gig. Click on the photo link in the main post for all of my photographic memories of a great gig.
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