It's the Gold Standard. A Kansas Smitty's live stream is a guarantee of quality. Tonight's session featured the 'house band' playing a few favourite tunes. Pianist Joe Webb, with a twinkle in his eye, said that after playing together for something like ten years it was about time they - Webb, guitarist Dave Archer and bassist Ferg Ireland - had their moment in the spotlight.
Kansas Smitty's is the name and Kansas City-inspired small group sessions by way of Nat, Oscar and a whole lot more took centre stage. The Oscar Peterson Trio at Zardi's LP featured; Sunday and Herbie's Tune. The latter, Herb Ellis' composition, purred, Dave Archer turning his hand to the art of comping and soloing just as Ellis did holding his own in the presence of the mighty Oscar Peterson (Joe Webb).
Oscar Moore, sideman to Nat Cole, wrote Beautiful Moons Ago, Joe, Dave and Ferg played it; phlegmatic Ferg's solo, Dave's bluesy feel. Great stuff! Bud Powell's Budo (Joe Webb equally convincing be it bop, swing, stride, our man is across it all) then Don't Be That Way referencing Ella and Louis, minus the vocals. It's that time of year...Webb all but apologising, introduced Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Erroll Garner into stride, Webb's your man). No bah humbug here.
A special guest was promised. Who could the off-camera figure be? As the live stream neared its end Webb called up Jalen N'Gonda. A friend of Kansas Smitty's, Mr N'Gonda is something else! Heard a few weeks ago singing Stevie Wonder with Smitty's crew, this evening we heard superlative jazz singing. Stormy Monday with an appealing falsetto, N'Gonda is a 'sit-up-and-take-notice' voice. One more from the man, The Very Thought of You - absolutely brilliant! If he ever makes his way up to Tyneside (Jazz Cafe, Jazz Co-op, Hoochie Coochie, Sage Gateshead), Jalen N'Gonda will knock 'em dead. Russell
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