(Screenshots by Ken Drew).
In the heart of the West End at Ronnie's Ian Shaw was putting his jazz voice to the music of David Bowie and Joni Mitchell - two artists held in various degrees of regard by the jazz community. Our man Russell was there and his review will appear tomorrow.
I opted for Smitty's where, in the main, Kenny Dorham was the inspiration behind the choice of tunes. Not surprising as Ridout's playing is from the same relatively restrained school.
The whole session lasted about 90 minutes, which is quite long for a KSTV session, due to the solos all being stretched out perhaps longer than they needed to be. Still, I wasn't complaining, it's not as if I was going anywhere!
Dorham's album Quiet Kenny was the source of three of the numbers: Lotus Blossom (a.k.a Asiatic Raes); Old Folks and I Had the Craziest Dream. The latter number sounded nothing like Harry James who played it in a 1940s' movie, Springtime in the Rockies. Although when I actually saw the movie I was probably paying more attention to Betty Grable than her soon to be husband!
Overall it was enjoyable although the odd moments of hesitation made it clear this wasn't a regular gigging band - maybe one day? But hey! That's what jazz is all about. If you want the sound of surprise then you're not going to get it from a slick, orchestrated, choreographed performance. Part of the joy of jazz is waiting to see an established player fall on their Khyber Pass and to gasp in amazement and admiration when they come out of it reputation intact maybe even enhanced.
The Khyber Pass had no takers tonight although occasionally one or two got close to the foothills.
Another corker from KSTV.
Lance
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