It all began quite sedately, relatively speaking that is, as if a recreation of an Art Blakey Blue Note album could ever be described as being sedate!
The house quintet paid due reverence to the legendary recording - they did it proud. All five were on their metal, no doubt anticipating what was to follow.
Last month the second set jam had few takers - there were no such problems tonight! No sir!
And the action didn't stop there!
They blew Alone Together with Michael Lamb also in sizzling form. The final Donna Lee had the full cast playing as if there was no tomorrow. Jamie Toms matching his fellow saxmen blow for blow, Alan Law proving his value at the keys both as a soloist and provider of sympathetic backing whilst Shoulder and Bradford kept the wheels turning. In the earlier Blakey set Bradford emulated the great man to perfection on the Drum Thunder Suite whilst Shoulder not only played bass but that very afternoon had transcribed the parts for the suite.
On the bus going home it occured to me that I'd compiled my Gigs of the Year list too soon! Lance (Photos by Russell)
No comments :
Post a Comment