October's concert at Central Bar featured Luis Verde. First heard at a Black Swan jam session, in no time at all our Spanish alto saxophonist made a major impact on the regional jazz scene. A razor-sharp approach to playing standards, Verde also excels in other contexts, not least that of original composition, both his own and those of others. This Sunday afternoon performance would focus upon the latter - original composition.
Joining Verde on Half Moon Lane were guitarist Joe Steels, bassist John Pope and drummer John Hirst. Opening with a Northumbrian/Celtic-influenced composition by Steels, the afternoon's two sets would frequently be punctuated by huge applause, some whistling their delight at what they were hearing. Verde's Infinita, composed long before our bandleader relocated to Tyneside, blew the place apart, truly astounding. What's more, the 'local lads' (Steels, Pope and Hirst), eyes glued to their charts, made a great job of it. A Procession of Heads from John Pope's 2023 album Citrinitas, stood comparison with Señor Verde's selections, the Spaniard's spirit of generosity and appreciation of his bandmates a joy to see.
It isn't every day a virtuoso musician emerges on the Tyneside jazz scene, Luis Verde is one of the latest to do so. The next time our alto saxophonist is out gigging, drop everything and go, you won't regret it! Russell
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