It was a sunny day, it was warm, so, on an impulse, I donned the shades, the jacket and the air of a cool dude out on the town. A bus and a Metro got me to the Engine Room - the bar/bistro that adjoins the Fire Station where, last Friday, SSBB launched their latest CD.
This time, the real ale was back on in the bar so there was no need to adjourn to the nearby Dun Cow which was just as well as I'd have been unable to hear the Michael Young Trio although I'd have probably heard the noise some of the diners were making. Michael referred to them as The In Crowd which also happened to be the band's opening number and delivered à la Ramsey Lewis, setting the mood for the evening. I don't know if there was any soul food on the menu but there should have been.
Moanin' hit the spot, Abbie playing the traditional opening to perfection and Michael capturing Lee Morgan's powerhouse blast - on piano.
Herbie's Maiden Voyage set sail followed by Dr. Taylor's I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free before we hit Morgan's big genre hit The Sidewinder. This was as funky as they come with that hypnotic rhythm and the shock, punchy break.
Watermelon Man kept the groove going and I was surprised that there was no booty shaking going on to this one. It has been known to happen here!
Wichita Lineman closed the set but I had to leave before the final few bars as my Metro was due so please, my apologies.
Reflecting on the gig as I headed homewards on the 'A (Airport) Train' I had that nice feeling you get from something good. Sure the diners were noisy but they also put their hands together after each number and, from the management's point of view, they were eating and drinking whilst listening to some top class music by three of the best. Lance
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