Thank you for coming down to the Blue Note this evening. Wasn't that just awesome?! Once again, a big hand for James Birkett and Bradley Johnston! Awesome guys, awesome! If, one day, James Birkett and Bradley Johnston appear at the Blue Note in New York - and why not? - they're sure to go down a storm. As guitarists go, they're a match for anyone and everyone. Easy going, engaging, immaculate musicianship, their set never fails to delight.
And their set this afternoon at Durham's Gala Theatre did just that - delight a wholly attentive audience there to listen to two master guitarists at work. From Birkett's Blues for BJ (BJ, that's Bradley Johnston) through to the set closing Theme from Alfie, our duo produced yet another stunning performance. It's easy to be blasé, hearing them in concert on a regular basis - lockdown the exception! - one has come to expect brilliance, perfection and whatever else, and these guys deliver every time. A one-time tutor-student relationship has matured into a partnership of equals. Birkett the senior man, Johnston the junior partner, a mutual respect is clearly evident: solos crafted without ego, sympathetic rhythmic support, contrapuntal lines, exemplary tone and volume levels.
James Birkett and Bradley Johnston are as good as they come. Be it Durham City, New York City or any other town or city, the next time they're in town be sure to catch them - as the guy at the Blue Note would undoubtedly say: They're awesome! Russell
Set list: Blues for BJ; Wave; Stringin' the Blues; Polka Dots and Moonbeams; Django's Castle; Blue Room; Chicken à la Swing; Doxy; Skating in Central Park; Spain; Theme from Alfie.
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