Ben Crosland Quartet @ the Railway, Stockport - April 28

(© Jeff Pritchard)

Ben Crosland (bass guitar); Dean Stockdale (keys); Jon Taylor (tenor sax); Dave Tyas (drums).

Like last week, the audience for this Sunday night gig was less than usual but there were enough people present to give the room some atmosphere and Ben wisely turned over most of the tune selecting to his tenor saxist Jon Taylor who as far as I know has never played here before. I remember seeing him play a gig many years ago at a small pub in Yorkshire but I think it was during the time I used to make frequent trips to the Anchor Inn in Brighouse a great venue, run by jazz loving landlord Rod Marshall who, I believe, is no longer with us. 

It was great to see and hear Jon Taylor again and when he opened the show with Lullaby of the Leaves I was immediately impressed with the big sound he produced on his Selmer Mk Seven tenor sax. He has that Gene Ammons' approach that I love to hear and I liked his flute work especially on the tune Take Off.  I hope he enjoyed playing here as he proved to be an ideal replacement for Ben’s usual front line reedsman Rod Mason. 

Dave Tyas, who many will have seen leading various big bands, did a good job driving things along and I am sure Ben Crosland will be pleased with the way things worked out and the audience certainly liked what they heard.      

Next jazz night at the Railway is tomorrow April 30 with the Trefor Owen Quartet. Mike Farmer

 

Lullaby of the Leaves; Moonglow; Tenor Madness; Poor Butterfly; All the Things You Are; Take Off; This Could Happen to You Indecision; Until the Real Thing Comes Along; Triste; Song for my Father;