One of the things I like about Steve is his choice of tunes which cover many genres. He can handle tricky Chick Corea tunes, up-tempo bop themes and tonight we heard, as the opening number, that classic blues Stolen Moments from Oliver Nelson’s iconic album Blues and the Abstract Truth. If you don’t have this record in your collection you should seek it out. Another thing about Steve that I like is although he has a box of about half a dozen effects pedals, he has the good sense to not over-use them.
Tonight's guest, Andrzej Baranek gets a great sound on his Roland keyboard, and cooked up a storm on a very up-tempo Bouncing with Bud. He also impressed me with his out of tempo intro to Body and Soul before Ed Kainyek came in with his interpretation of Johnny Green’s famous composition. For many years Ed played mainly alto sax but recently he seems to favour tenor and tonight he sounded better than ever on the larger horn. He is another player that reminds me of the late great James Moody who I heard live in a pub in Reddish, Stockport about a mile from this venue. Ed has a similar big sound.
Steve must be pleased with the way things went and I must mention the excellent work by bass player Gavin Barras who I believe is as good as any bassman currently active. Tim Franks did a good job and fitted in well with what were some really challenging numbers. The final tune of the evening was one written by Steve , Celebration and so ended a most satisfying night of modern jazz. Mike Farmer
Stolen Moments; Sea Journey; Beautiful Love; The Water is Wide; How Deep is the Ocean?; Bouncing with Bud; La Fiesta; Straight No Chaser; Body and Soul; Turnaround;
Celebration.
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