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| (© Jeff Pritchard) |
Not only is Gavin Barras a superb bass player but he knows how to put together musicians to produce the best results and tonight we heard some creative modern jazz from all involved. Six tunes per set making a total of twelve were played and it would be impossible for me to select any highlights as I liked all of them, from the opening Parker blues, Now’s the Time, to the closing Rollins' number Oleo.
Ray Butcher was very impressive and as well as switching from trumpet to flugel, he used the mute to good effect on a couple of tunes. Jim Faulkner sounded great on guitar and he has developed a reputation for producing interesting solos as well as knowing what not to play. If I played guitar I would like to sound just like him.
Steve Hanley is a drummer who rarely plays the Railway so it was good to see him here and he fitted in well with his melodic work on sticks and brushes on a tune which Coleman Hawkins made famous. I am of course talking about Body and Soul which featured the brilliant bow work of Gavin Barras. This tune gets played a lot on gigs but this has got to be the best version I’ve heard for a long time.
In conclusion, the night was highly enjoyable and I hope this line-up is repeated before too long as it contained all the elements that I look for in a jazz experience. The next jazz night at the Railway will be Tuesday August 22 with the Paul Hartley Quartet featuring Mike Hope. Mike Farmer
Now’s the Time; On Green Dolphin Street; Stompin’ at the Savoy; I Love You; Wave; I Got Rhythm; Summertime; Stella by Starlight; Four; Body and Soul; St Thomas; Oleo.
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