Joe Steels (guitar); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Abbie Finn (drums)
Joe Steels made a welcome return to Newcastle, this time in the company of Mick Shoulder and Abbie Finn. Heard of late at jam sessions on either side of the Tyne, Steels is one impressive guitarist. Working alongside the bass and drums pairing of Shoulder and Finn guaranteed a top quality performance and that's exactly what the St James' and St Basil's Church jazz congregation got. The weather kind enough to permit an outdoor session in the church grounds, guitarist Steels opened with Charlie Parker's Cheryl. Demonstrating sound technique, Steels' set list would comprise familiar bop material alongside a bunch of standards.
A left field selection came in the form of Cuban Osvaldo Farrés' Tres Palabras. An interesting tune, the next time Steels gigs, he should play it again. Bird's Anthropology upped the tempo, Steels' flowing lines, bassist Mick Shoulder and drummer Abbie Finn right there with him in the fast lane. Throughout the afternoon's two sets bass and drums were afforded plenty of space to show what they could do. Many listeners in the church gardens were well aware of their talents, making this new trio line-up a joy to listen to.
Bill Evans' Turn Out the Stars confirmed Steels as a fine player, and as the trio went out on Sandu, the thought occurred that Steels, Shoulder and Finn should do it again sometime.
Russell
Russell
Set list: Cheryl; Everything I Love; Reflections; Tres Palabras; Anthropology; Alice in Wonderland; Alone Together; Turn Out the Stars; My Shining Hour; Sandu.
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