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| (© Russell) |
With John Pope, the element of surprise is never far away. Sometimes it can be straight ahead whilst, at other times, it can be way beyond the boundaries of convention.
The music on this open-air gig in the idyllic setting of the quayside, overlooking the Tyne, Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, fell comfortably in between the two extremes and showcased five musicians who worked as one without shedding their individuality.
The fact that this was Steve Hanley's first gig with the band indicated just how a band can be both tight and yet free at the same time.
The material comprised originals drawn from albums past, present and future and were quite amazing. If I were to put a tag on it I thought contemporary - and I mean contemporary! - Ellington. Hardy was on the money with his plunger solo on A Procession of Heads - a number which made the natural progression from Ellington towards Charles Mingus and, with a bass playing leader the Mingus touch is never going to be too far away.
The lack of chordal backing didn't matter, When it was needed the other two horns slotted in behind the soloist.
Faye MacCalman gets a sound to die for on tenor. Even when she's duking it out with the other two, the tone is still there. Beautiful.
Stockbridge blew alto and bari. Indeed, when he was in full flight, blowing harmonics on bari, you wondered why he'd brought the alto along! Still, when he did play alto it was good.
John Pope has developed so much over the years - he can hold his own at the highest level. His arco solo on one number really stood out.
I could go on and on but I'll simply say, catch them when you can. Lance
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