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| (© Jeff Pritchard) |
I arrived at the Railway around 8-30 pm to find the music room fairly full with many jazz fans curious as to who the advertised act listed on the flyer as Richard Russack was and what instrument he played. The mystery was never solved as the band that turned up was a quartet comprised of some excellent musicians lead by bass player Grant Russell who I last heard here at the Railway when he fronted a similar line up. On that occasion he featured Kyran Matthews on tenor sax. Tonight Kyran’s place was taken by Jeff Gundren who is also a hard driving tenor man who, since relocating to Manchester from the US, has made a big impact on the local jazz scene.
An interesting mix of tunes which included a few well known standards plus compositions by Tadd Dameron, Thelonious Monk, and Cedar Walton. Sometimes, as in the opening number Night and Day, and Charlie Chaplin's Smile, the theme was played by Grant Russell on bass. He has everything that you need in a jazz bassist and if I had to describe him in one word it would be virtuoso. During the final number - Bolivia - Grant got into some fast finger work that showcased his incredible technique. We also heard some high voltage drumming from Luke Flowers on this great Cedar Walton tune.
On keyboard Paul Kilvington added much to the atmosphere and he got to stretch out on his solo during Smile which was a trio feature. I’ve always like this tune and there is a great version on Kenny Dorham’s album Matador which I unfortunately sold. Dexter Gordon recorded the tune on Blue Note and again on Steeplechase with Jackie McLean.
I hope this band makes a return visit before too long.
Next jazz night at the Railway is on Tuesday Aug 9 with the Paul Hartley Quartet featuring Gair Carson. Mike Farmer
Night and Day; Bemsha Swing; Pure Imagination; How High The Moon?; Ladybird; Skylark; Smile; Bolivia.
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