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| (© Jeff Pritchard) |
Al Wood opened up with Irving Berlin’s composition Cheek to Cheek. It made me think of a time, many years ago, when I lent a friend an LP Phil Woods live at the Showboat and never got it back. There was a fantastic version of this tune by Phil Woods and for some reason that album is very hard to find. The second number was one that you do not hear very often; Hank Mobley’s Funk In A Deep Freeze. This is a tune Chet Baker liked to play and there is also a great version on John Zorn’s album News For Lulu.
Leeds based guitarist Derrick Harris was a good choice for this line-up and he contributed some interesting solos during the evening. It was also good to see local bass man Dave Lynane on the bandstand as he and Al Wood were part of Maynard Ferguson's first UK big band that made a huge impact both here and abroad. In 1971 he recorded at Lansdowne Studios for Maynard’s Alive and Well In London album as part of the trombone section.
I recall going to see the Al Wood Big Band at Seven Arts Centre a few years ago and Al played trumpet in a style similar to Conte Candoli. He has had plenty of experience on reeds and brass instruments and, together with talent, that adds up to a winning combination for a jazz player.
For some of the tunes the group were joined by flugelhornist Richard Iles who played to good effect on You’d be so Nice to Come Home to, Joy Spring, and Groovin’ High the latter containing a great solo from Dave Lynane.
The next jazz gig at the Railway is on Tuesday May 24 with the Paul Hartley Quartet featuring trumpeter John Hulme. Mike Farmer
Cheek to Cheek; Funk in a Deep Freeze; All the Things You Are; Moonlight in Vermont; Blue by Blue; Come on Back; Tickletoe; You’d be so Nice to Come Home to; When Lights Are Low; Joy Spring; Just Friends; Groovin’ High.
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