T-A-B plays Miles Davis @ The Bridge Hotel, Newcastle - August 31

Tom Atkinson (guitar); Jack Courtney (trumpet); Sue Ferris (tenor sax, flute); Deon Krishnan (bass); Jeff Armstrong (drums)

We'd been here before, last night in fact! Two nights in the Bridge Hotel listening to Tom Atkinson's jazz rock/jazz fusion outfit was an exhilarating experience with no concessions made to those of a fragile disposition. Five musicians committed to the music, played at volume, the audience open to the intensity of it all.

This second night focused upon Miles Davis' Jack Johnson album. The famed American trumpeter was known for his, at times, lack of communication with his audience. As the band took to the stage at the Bridge Hotel it struck your correspondent that Atkinson eschews the limelight. Hiding beneath and behind a cap and dark shades, our man didn't say a word as the T-A-B (Tom Atkinson Band) launched into an uninterrupted set lasting close on ninety minutes.

And launch into the set they did, exploding into a cacophony of noise! Some reviews tend to mention rhythm sections almost as an afterthought. Let's turn it on its head, bassist Deon Krishnan and drummer Jeff Armstrong were immense. Fully concentrated, Krishnan locking onto a relentless groove, Armstrong the powerhouse, à la Jack DeJohnette circa 1970! The horns - trumpeter Jack Courtney and alto saxophonist/flautist Sue Ferris - couldn't have wished for a better foundation. 

Atkinson, pedal board at his feet, was in total command of the situation: searing rock guitar lines with a Zappa-like enthusiasm for a 'jazz chord', Courtney firing spectacular volley after spectacular volley, Ferris doing on alto sax what she frequently does on baritone, that is absolutely nailing it!*

Ninety minutes later we were done. Shyly, Atkinson introduced his band mates. It was the least he could do! Two tremendous gigs. Here's to the next time!

* Here's an idea...T-A-B plays Frank Zappa's Hot Rats... Russell