Cormac Loane w. the Dean Stockdale Trio @ the Lit & Phil - Dec. 16

(© Patti)

Cormac Loane (alto sax/alto flute/clarinet); Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (bass); John Bradford (drums) + Steve Summers (tenor sax).

Back in the day when we all were young, Cormac Loane was even younger when, as a schoolboy, he wandered in to a Newcastle Big Band session clutching an alto saxophone. He sat in and proceeded to blow everyone's minds - how could one be so young and yet so good? Maybe Mozart?

Fast forward, give or take, 50 years and that same young man (now older) was headlining today at the popular monthly JATLP sessions.

His prowess hadn't diminished in the interim years and the set list comprised a selection of tried and tested standards that didn't cause any brows to furrow which, I'm sure pleased the Lit & Phil regulars.

The degree of hesitancy he showed on the opening All the Things You Are disappeared as the session progressed and his confidence grew with the realisation that the audience were with him 100%.

In between numbers he spoke of his learning curve at school thanks to the inspiration he received from his music teacher Maurice Rodham and later George McDonald, both of whom were present.

Cormac also reflected on his time with the Newcastle Big Band mentioning some of the members. I didn't make the cut but, as Sting didn't either, I was in good company!

The sound on alto was refreshingly cool bringing to mind Lee Konitz or Art Pepper. His command in the upper register being particularly impressive.

The alto flute didn't work quite as well for me although it did have a good sound. Clarinet was okay without lighting any fires but, overall, it was his alto playing that stood out.

Needless to say that what is becoming virtually the house rhythm section here, there and everywhere provided perfect support.

The set closed with another former pupil of St Cussies - Steve Summers - joining Cormac for a two sax blast on Blue Monk and On Great Dolphin Street.

Another enjoyable, sold out, session which, in today's economic (and wintry) climate, indicates that somebody is doing something right. Lance  

All the Things You Are; Satin Doll; Manhä de Carnival; Stranger on the Shore; Love For Sale; Body and Soul; Blue Monk; On Green Dolphin Street.