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| (© Sheila Herrick) |
Lewis Watson (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums)
The Globe's usual cabaret-style arrangement of tables and chairs was augmented by several rows of seats set out close to the stage, a sure sign advance sales had been rather good! The regular faces took their seats, joined by more than a few long-time fans of the evening's star attraction. At a little after eight the quartet tore into Wayne Shorter's Yes and No.
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| (© Pam) |
The 'quartet'? The Lewis Watson Quartet, no less! One sensed our tenor saxophonist was in the mood. Glorious playing from the off. Watson's quartet - Mark Williams, guitar, Andy Champion, bass and drummer John Bradford - couldn't be bettered. All four musicians on the same wave length, transport them to London or NYC and they wouldn't be out of place.
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| (© Pam) |
Times Past, Watson's Song for Keith (for Keith Morris), this was Watson in total command. To close an engrossing first set, No Light, No Tunnel (the phrase 'wonky blues' sprung to mind) featured the Main Man and stellar solos from Williams and Champion (Bradford would feature later in the evening).  |
| (© Pam) |
Second set, all seats occupied, no one was going anywhere. Sonny Rollins is never far away at a Lewis Watson gig, likewise John Coltrane. And it was the latter who seemed to inspire our bandleader this evening, at one point veering towards Albert Ayler territory! George Adams' Autumn Song (Watson recalling the two occasions he heard the American live, in concert), Trane's Liberia, this was seriously heavy duty stuff. To close a memorable evening, Watson thought a prayer of sorts should send us on our way - the Lewis Watson Quartet went out on Coltrane's To Be. A memorable occasion. Russell
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