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| © Sheila Herrick |
Always a good gig when JazzMain are in town. The Edinburgh based quartet are as devout followers of 1950's Blue Note style modern jazz as any band this side of the Atlantic with Dexter Gordon a major influence on front man Gould.
Not that JazzMain are mere copyists of their American contemporaries - far from it. They have taken the ingredients and produced their own dynamic delicacy that hit the spot with every note and phrase.
Love Walked In got things off to a good start. The rhythm section's light swing complementing Gould's hardblowing tenor. Jobim's Meditation kept the mood going over a gentle bossa rhythm. Chet Baker's For Minors Only showcased all and Jim Mullen's Soul Eyes had a solo (soulo?) by pianist Grossart that was exceptionally exceptional on a gig where exceptional was the norm. Wes Montgomery's Groove Yard then Clifford Brown's Daahoud, with a compelling duo exchange between tenor and bass, brought the set to a close.
Time to recharge - two gigs within an hour of each other was beginning to take its toll on me but someone's got to do it.
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| © Sheila Herrick |
Debra is one of the most efficient multi-taskers in and out of the north east jazz scene to the extent that we forgive her for being an avid supporter of Tottenham Hotspur - a football team from down south. Apart from holding a responsible position with the NHS, Debra also organises and books jazz gigs at the Globe, writes lyrics, co-leads the Milne, Glendinning Band and is also a jazz singer.
It was in this latter capacity that she was summoned to the stage to sing Miles' Four with the band. I'd heard her sing it before but never as effectively as this - chapeau! Debra followed up with Mel Tormé's Born to be Blue.
Attention turned back to the band with Dexter once again making his presence felt. It was as if that memorable concert he gave at Newcastle's University Theatre back in the 1980s had never ended.
Red Mitchell's Funji Mama, Rodgers and Hart's My Romance, Dexter's Fried Bananas and, finally, Soy Califa wrapped things up. Great gig! Lance
1 comment :
Thanks so much for the review, we had a great time as always in the Globe with our friends. We tried a few new things which seemed to work and will be included in our fringe gigs in August. Lovely to see everyone last night. best Nick Gould
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