This one had been in the diary for a while. A couple of days in London (Spice of Life Monday lunchtime, a bookshop or two, Ronnie's in the evening, a blockbuster exhibition the next day), a favourable weather forecast, let's go! Monday evening, Ronnie Scott's, the Ed Richardson Big Band plays 'Atomic Basie & more'. Count Basie, a stellar big band, a superstar vocalist, a winning combination!
This Frith Street engagement sold out several weeks ago. And no surprise there given that drummer Ed Richardson would be leading an all-star big band. Each chair in the band was occupied by an A-lister: Joe Webb as Basie, Pete Horsfall and Freddie Gavita in the trumpet section, Callum Au (that's Callum Au, master arranger) and Dan Higham in the 'bones, Kansas Smitty's Giacomo Smith and Leo (no relation) Richardson in the reeds. Oh, yes, add the name Georgia Cécile to the line-up. Stellar? You bet!
The place was buzzing as audience and musicians caught up for a chat before the down beat. The evening's MC, Paul Pace, introduced Ed Richardson and the ensemble. The excitement was palpable as the band tore into The Kid from Red Bank. Close your eyes, this was the Basie band in full flow. Absolutely terrific. Freddie Gavita and Pete Horsfall duetted on, yes, Duet. Graeme Blevins (tenor sax) and Joe Webb featured on After Supper, Webb again, alongside Giacomo Smith, on Flight of the Foo Birds. The set list more or less followed the album's running order, next up, Teddy the Toad, then Pete Horsfall in the spotlight on Midnight Blue.
Nights like this are special, the listener hanging on every note. Ronnie's patrons were particularly attentive this evening. And at this juncture Ed Richardson introduced a special guest, his father, drummer Andy Richardson. Son Ed happily stepped aside to allow father Andy to join the band on Splanky. How good was that?! It's like a Wimbledon champion on Centre Court inviting a family member to serve at match point. Richardson Senior can play, that's for sure. What a thrill it must have been for him. Son Ed videoed the moment.
Giacomo Smith, playing alto sax, featured on Fantail, a muted, graceful Pete Horsfall captured the essence of Li'l Darlin' and then, to close, Joe Webb (Basie) brought in Whirly-Bird. They stood up - that's tenor men Graeme Blevins and Leo Richardson (Frank Foster and Lockjaw Davis) - to blow and blow and blow, the trumpets soaring and swooping as one. Wonderful.
Second set: The '& more' set. Numbers from various albums (April in Paris, Sinatra at the Sands, Ella and Basie) heard the ensemble continue where it left off, that is, in superb form. Dan Higham and Freddie Gavita stood in the spotlight on Blues in Hoss' Flat, Gavita again on Shiny Stockings, classic Basie. Time for Ed Richardson to introduce the band's guest star. Strolling onto stage, the one and only, Georgia Cécile. I'm Beginning to See the Light sang Georgia. Our London resident Glaswegian remained exactly where she was for a swinging Honeysuckle Rose. Star quality, pure and simple. And from the Ella and Basie album, Georgia sang On the Sunny Side of the Street. It had been a marvellous, memorable evening. It's likely Ronnie Scott's will want to do it again. If it happens be sure to book early! Russell
The Ed Richardson Big Band: Tom Walsh, George Hogg, Pete Horsfall, Freddie Gavita (trumpets); Giacomo Smith, Simon Marsh, Leo Richardson, Graeme Blevins, Jess Holder (reeds); Alistair White, Callum Au, Dan Higham, Barry Clements (trombones); Joe Webb (piano); Oli Mason (guitar); Ferg Ireland (double bass); Ed Richardson (drums); Georgia Cécile (vocals) + Andy Richardson (drums)
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