Laurence Harrison and Ferg Kilsby @ the Prohibition Bar, Newcastle - August 18

© Lance

 Laurence Harrison (guitar); Ferg Kilsby (trumpet)

A gig that was definitely of the 'on the fly' variety and none the worse for that. Gigs of this nature can be a disaster or a triumph. Tonight was certainly in the latter category.

Full credit to both musicians for finding a common ground. Young Kilsby has, in the space of the last few years developed from being a promising student to an outstanding talent capable of slugging it out with the best. Not that there were any musical fisticuffs tonight the two participants were too much attuned to what the other was doing to indulge in such frippery.

Kilsby has an incredible ear. Even tunes he was possibly unfamiliar with seemed to fall naturally for him. If he didn't catch it the first time (and he usually did) he nailed it the next time around and, by and large, without any electronic 'cheat sheets'. Although currently more associated with the very modern, contemporary jazz rock mix as favoured by KNATS, the band he first attracted attention with, on this duo gig  he blew with the technique and the tone of the early Ian Carr, perhaps even better!  Quite amazing. 

© Patti

On guitar, Harrison was the epitome of taste providing the perfect foil for Ferg as well as delighting everyone with ears with his solos.

After tonight they'll move off to follow their own paths maybe never to play together again. This would be a shame as I'd like to hear them again. However, would the spontaneity of that first meeting be lost or would it form the basis of a journey to even greater heights? Time alone will tell. Lance

They Can't Take That Away From Me (solo guitar); Someday my Prince Will Come; On Green Dolphin Street; Stella by Starlight; Moonlight in Vermont (solo guitar); There Will Never be Another You; Mr. P.C.; All the Things You Are; Just Friends; Have You Met Miss Jones?; The Girl From Ipanema; Embraceable You (solo guitar); Body and Soul