The Zoë Gilby Quintet @ Blaydon Jazz Club - April 14

Zoē Gilby (vocals); Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums) 

Zoë Gilby made a welcome return to Blaydon Jazz Club. Bandleader Zoë invariably arrives at the Black Bull with her ace quartet, however, this evening we would be entertained by the Zoë Gilby Quintet. The Black Bull's 'postage stamp' stage is cramped at the best of times (duo/trio/quartet) and with the addition of tenor saxophonist Harry Keeble, Zoë would stand slightly left of centre.

From Thelonious Monk through to a set-closing Harry Edison/Jon Hendricks' classic, Zoë and the boys would play a blinder, the set list a balanced mix of standards and original compositions. Carmen McRae and Tom Harrell are but two musicians who continue to inspire Zoë: trumpeter Harrell's compositions reworked with original lyrics forming the basis of Zoë's acclaimed Aurora project. This evening, Shadowed in Solitude (a stand out example from Aurora), Ellington's Do Nothin' till You Hear from Me, Wes Montgomery's West Coast Blues, Monk's In Walked Bud, two accomplished original numbers - In It Together and Midnight Bell - and more, this was jazz at its best. 

Harry Keeble played as if a long time member of the band: assured, great tone, beautifully crafted solos. Mark Williams knows the material inside out, this evening playing as well as ever. And then there's Andy Champion. Astounding technique, rich, warm-toned bass playing, none better. Zoë introduced a 'rip-roaring' Caravan as a feature for drummer John Bradford. Safe to say, John took it to the cleaners. Great stuff! The Zoë Gilby Quintet went out on the 'Sweets' Edison/Jon Hendricks' number Centrepiece. It had been an evening of top class jazz here at the Black Bull. 

Next month (Monday 19 May), Mark, Andy and John will return to the Black Bull for what promises to be another outstanding Blaydon Jazz Club concert. Whenever and wherever tenor saxophonist Lewis Watson appears - with Mark, Andy and John - it's a gig you really shouldn't miss! No advance sales, simply turn up early for an eight o'clock start. £10.00. at the door.