Richie Emmerson (tenor sax); Ian Bosworth (guitar); Dave Archbold (keys); Ron Smith (bass); Mark Hawkins (drums).
A band, formed from well known and respected local musicians, Just Friends played to an appreciative audience that included fellow jazz musicians Dougie Pugh, Ray Dales and John Brett.
Starting the night in fine style with the well known I'm Coming Home Baby showing how tight an ensemble they were and enhanced by excellent solos from Richie, Ian and Dave - not to mention the great backing from Ron on bass and Mark on drums! This set the style for the night.
Stanley Turrentine's Sugar had Richie's sax taking the mood to downtown Detroit. He was also featured on the lovely ballad God Bless The Child before the mood was changed again for the up tempo Benny Golson's Killer Joe. Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island was a nice choice to bring the first set to a close.
Mercy Mercy Mercy, as written for Cannonball Adderley was a good driving number to get the second set started.
Oliver Nelson's Stolen Moments, one of my favourite numbers, as recorded by Lee Ritenour, was played with great feeling.
The band showed their musical ability when a surprise request from the audience led them to play Nature Boy, nicely introduced by Ian on guitar.
The up tempo Put It Where You Want It by the Jazz Crusaders, brought the evening to a close in fine style.
Another successful night with the guest band clearly enjoying the gig.
Thanks go to the staff of Dorman's Club in helping us to run the jazz night.
RonH
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