The Harry Keeble Quartet @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle - July 22

(Photo by Russell)

Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (bass); Abbie Finn (drums)

Harry Keeble graduated from Leeds College of Music (now 'Conservatoire') a couple of years ago. The amiable tenor saxophonist has been making his mark on the jazz scene sitting in at jam sessions, gigging with drummer Abbie Finn and now, fronting his own quartet, there is a recently recorded digital download EP to enjoy. To celebrate the release of The Beacon, the HKQ played a launch gig at Prohibition Bar.

The upstairs room on Pink Lane is where the EP was recorded* and it seemed rather appropriate to return to the venue to play music from it alongside a selection of Harry's favourite tunes. The influence of Chris Potter would figure large, as would Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter et al. You get an idea of where HK is coming from, don't you? 

Opening with Chris Potter's High Noon, the HKQ stepped up to the plate. First impressions? HK was playing with no little authority and steely determination, to his right, the amazing Mark Williams absolutely killing on guitar, to his left, bassist extraordinaire, Andy Champion with drummer Abbie Finn playing out of her skin. Wayne Shorter's Yes and No maintained the momentum, HK's The Glen held its own in an evolving set list, sandwiched between Shorter and Chick Corea (Humpty Dumpty, HK in full flight). The ballad-like intro to Sunken Forest gave way to a rollercoaster ride - Mark and Andy cranking it up, Abbie taking it in and out of a swing time feel, HK all over it. A fine first set.

Second set, more of the same! HK has the knack of taking his time when all around him - Mark, Andy and Abbie - press the pedal to the floor, our man developing his tenor solos with an inexorable logic. From time to time Harry and Mark played lines in unison, Andy roaming across the piece, Abbie spinning plates, the HKQ is one tight unit. More Chris Potter (Invisible Man), Mike Stern's Chromazone (Mr M Brecker plays tenor on the track from the Time in Place album) and Joel Purnell's Red Shift** all contributed to a hugely successful evening. The Beacon is available from Bandcamp, be sure to check it out.           

* The Beacon's recording engineer, Ray Beckett, enjoyed a night out, sitting quietly at the back of the room. Harry rightly thanked Mr Beckett for his efforts. Having heard the finished product, The Beacon comes highly recommended. 

** Harry happily name checked Joel Purnell. Mr Purnell is a senior lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire.   
Russell 

Set list included: High Noon; Yes and No; The Glen; Humpty Dumpty; Sunken Forest; The Source; Chromazone; Invisible Man; Red Shift.