John Stowell & Tom Remon @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle - Nov. 14

John Stowell (guitar); Tom Remon (guitar)

Following his appearance earlier this year working alongside Sid Jacobs, Tom Remon returned to Prohibition Bar with another top notch American guitarist as his sparring partner. From Portland, Oregon, John Stowell quietly went about his business, setting up his gear on the Pink Lane venue's small corner stage, his custom made, headless Soulezza guitar taking pride of place. Several of the region's six-stringers were in the house, they weren't going to miss this one! 

As is the way at Prohibition Bar, the musicians - our guitar duo - began to play without introduction, without fanfare. Remon's predilection to hum as he plays could be considered a distraction, alternatively, it could be said there is an endearing quality to it. Stowell, on the other hand, sits with his prized Soulezza tucked tight under his chin, otherwise motionless, except for his fingers elegantly ghosting across the frets. The region's six-stringers sat close up, watching intently.

Perhaps surprisingly, our American guest did the talking. Softly spoken, Stowell welcomed those who had turned out, fulsome in his praise of Tom Remon. This being an intimate performance, Stowell likened the occasion to a 'house concert', a not unusual event in the US. Happy to strike up conversation with his audience, discussion ranged from the technical stuff (our six-stringers nodding) to Stowell's influences such as Jim Hall and more than one or two horn players, notably Wayne Shorter. 

It became evident egos were left at the door, Remon and Stowell were enjoying one another's company and the company of the jazz guitarists (and others!) there to listen to two marvellous guitarists at work. A splendid evening down on Pink Lane. Russell