(© Jeff Pritchard) |
Ed was using the same rhythm section that he used on his Feb 7 gig here and they handled his somewhat unusual choice of tunes without difficulty. Not many bands tackle Mona Lisa which of course was a huge hit for the great Nat 'King' Cole and was recorded by tenor-man Hank Mobley for Blue Note. This was only one of many highlights throughout the evening and although the audience was a bit low in numbers it did not affect the quality of the music. The tunes selected by Ed covered a wide range of composers including Gershwin, Keith Jarrett, Grover Washington Jr, Wayne Shorter, Stevie Wonder, Tubby Hayes, and Thad Jones.
George King who was playing a Roland 300SX keyboard did a fine job handling the trickier themes and his solos held my interest. Gavin Barras who was here two days ago fronting his own quartet was a tower of strength on bass and Tim Franks did some great things on sticks and brushes. Ed likes to communicate with his audience and I’m pleased he announced the tunes. There was one person who requested Secret Love, probably a Doris Day fan, and Ed straight away obliged. He knows a lot of interesting tunes and plays them all well. I hope this turns out to be a regular monthly gig for Ed and his colleagues.
The next jazz night at the Railway is on Sunday March 12 with the Ben Crosland Trio. Mike Farmer
A Child is Born; Have You Met Miss Jones?; Soon; Mr Magic; Off the Wagon; Mona Lisa; Pick Yourself Up; Blue Skies; My Song; Adam’s Apple; Secret Love; For Once in my Life; Our Love is Here to Stay.
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