Sunday Night @ the Award-Winning Globe: Alter Ego - July 18

(Screenshot by Ken Drew)

Dave Hignett (trumpet, flugel); Keith Robinson (alto/soprano sax); Niall Armstrong (tenor sax, flute); Paul Donnelly (guitar); Tony Abel (bass guitar); Dave Johnson (drums).

Q: What's the difference between a live gig and a livestream?

A: The former is usually too short and the latter is usually too long!

To elaborate. On a live gig you're enjoying it in the, socially distanced, convivial company of like-minded enthusiasts. Come the interval, drinks are ordered, observations are made about the gig, even a chance to chat with the performers or, maybe, strike up a new acquaintance before the band return for an even better set - few bands show all their cards in the opening deal.

Contrast that with sitting at home watching/listening on PC, smartphone or whatever - it's not the same.

The 606 streams the first set live and leaves the second set for those who've actually turned up.

Having said that, tonight's session was everything I've come to expect from the band and, true to form, the game was duly lifted in the second set.

I didn't catch the opening title - I'd taken up Keith's suggestion to make a cup of tea and, as it had been a long time since I'd performed such a task, I eventually gave up and settled for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.  

Suffice to say that when I returned they'd hit the ground running and the tight arrangements were just that little bit looser and all the better for it.

(Collage by Ken Drew)

Replacing keyboards with guitar in the form of Paul Donnelly was/is a masterstroke. His solos challenge the horns to put up. They did and, although there were fewer stratospheric flights from Dave than is his norm, on the penultimate number he did unleash a solo that maybe rattled a few glasses! Niall and Keith both blew their sox off, Niall, apart from some sound tenor playing also provided much of the material whilst Keith's alto and occasional soprano was never less than lyrical.

Tony Abel, bassist, composer, is one of those guys who pop up infrequently but, when he does, you know you're in the presence of a self-effacing star.

Early days to pass judgement on drummer Johnson but, he held his own with these seasoned sessioneers which is a massive plus for him.

A great band that is even greater when they stretch the elastic... Lance

PS: Re my opening question, both The Globe and the band got it just right tonight.

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