Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Graham Hardy (trumpet); Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Abbie Finn (drums)
The Finntet is one of several bands keeping Abbie Finn busy. Heard variously in duo, trio, quartet and occasional big band format, drummer Finn leads the five piece Finntet. The material is of the hard bop variety and in playing some classic charts our County Durham-based musician has assembled a hard blowing, effortlessly swinging quintet.
Bobby Timmons, Hank Mobley, through to Ellis Marsalis and Tubby Hayes, it was as if Finn was depping for Art Blakey! The horns - Harry Keeble and Graham Hardy - took it in turns to lead the charge. Keeble on tenor, Hardy, trumpet, ratcheted-up the excitement, as did the versatile Mr Alan Law, piano, a man known for lighting the blue touch paper, guaranteeing fireworks. Dat Dere and This I Dig of You set both tone and tempo, Chick Corea's Armando's Rhumba made the cut, as did Graham Hardy's Step Five, a worthy addition to the Finntet's book.
The Gala's regulars - they loyally keep on supporting the monthly lunchtime concert series - liked what they were hearing. Bassist Paul Grainger, flanked either side by Finn and Law, anchored the whole thing, swinging it when required, at times this was one swinging trio! And to close a most enjoyable afternoon, the Finntet blazed a trail on one of the great tunes, Dear Johnny B.
Russell
Set list: Dat Dere; This I Dig of You; Armando's Rhumba; Step Five; Swinging at the Haven; Dear Johnny B.
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