Eddie Bellis (trombone); Paul Gowland
(tenor sax); Alan Marshall (alto sax); Kevin Eland (trumpet/flugelhorn); Jeremy
McMurray (piano); Alan Rudd (bass); Roger Hempsall (drums).
(Review/Photo by Ron H)
The good sized audience who turned out on this cold winter’s
night were rewarded with an evening of exciting and refreshing jazz played
by a highly talented group of musicians led by Eddie Bellis.
Curious George started the first set with fine
solos from Paul Gowland on tenor sax Alan Marshall on alto sax and Eddie Bellis
on trombone setting the standard for the night. This was followed by Sandu with
a nice bass solo from Alan Rudd, and, after Groovin’ High, the
band moved on to Sammy Nestico's arrangement of 88 Basin Street with a beautifully played intro by Jeremy McMurray with excellent solos all round
again.
After several more numbers, including Lift Off, the
first set was brought to close with a great version of On Green Dolphin
St.
The Milt Jackson composition Bags Groove opened
the second set showing how tight the band played together. Bluff Point (I think), a new arrangement by Kevin Eland, was
beautifully played by all.
A swinging Del Sasser was followed by an
up tempo Blue Monk that included a most impressive piano solo from
Jeremy McMurray.
A favourite of mine was Benny Golson's I Remember
Clifford with a sympathetic piano and flugel intro leading to an emotive solo by Kevin Eland that paid homage to the tune's inspiration - Clifford Brown who died so tragically in a car crash at a very young age.
The second set was brought to a close with Monk's Straight
No Chaser giving Roger Hempsall, new to the band on drums, a chance to show
his skills and, along with Alan Rudd on bass, set the rhythm.
The audience weren't going home without an encore and they were treated to a terrific encore in the form of
Horace Silver's Sister Sadie with Alan Marshall on alto and
Paul Gowland on tenor both going for it.
This was without doubt one of best jazz groups to support our
guest band nights playing West Coast jazz with excellent arrangements and
giving the enthusiastic audience a memorable evening that included
several numbers new to the club.
The usual thanks go to the management and staff of Dormans Club
for their help and support to ensure the success of this weekly Jazz Night which is now
in it's tenth year.
Ron H
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