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| © R. Veitch |
Joe Steels (guitar); Ben Lawrence (piano); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums)
On a fine late spring evening the debut performance of the Joe Steels-Ben Lawrence Quartet drew a sizeable crowd to the Black Bull. Joe, guitar, Ben, piano, Andy Champion, bass and drummer John Bradford have shared a stage in various groupings, this Blaydon Jazz Club appearance was a first opportunity for them to work together as a quartet.
Bird Like opened the quartet's programme, Freddie Hubbard's post-bop number setting the standard. Ben Lawrence, piano. Yes, Ben opted to play the house upright and it sounded just fine (every jazz club should have one!). For some reason the title of Ben's composition 'Banana' amused his bandmates (Ben later confirming the title as Grand Nain), Joe's ballad Remembering tipped his hat to his recently deceased grandfather, Joe's flowing lines a thing of beauty.
I'll Remember April, Ben's Lost Paintings, Joe's Trails, inspired by Roy Hargrove (it sure was 'Hargroveian', St Denis all the way!), the mix of original compositions and modern jazz standards across two sets got the balance just right. The evening was far from the 'Joe and Ben' show. Andy Champion and John Bradford, bass and drums respectively, are two of the best around and their contributions made for a fine collective performance, Brian Blade's Landmarks a case in point. The Joe Steels-Ben Lawrence Quartet went out on a blues. It had been another excellent night at the Black Bull. Next month, Monday June 10, it's Mick Shoulder's Swing Manouche. Russell
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