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| © Sylvia T |
A cab from Pilgrim to the Globe got us to the Railway St venue midway through the opening number by the Joe Steels Quartet (+1).
There were a couple of changes to the advertised line-up. John Pope, stepping in for Andy Champion who was doing the swing shift at Pilgrim, and an unexpected, but very welcome, guest trumpet player Ferg Kilsby.
Kilsby, on vacation from Trinity and currently riding the crest of a wave with Geordie Jazz exponents Knats, added some additional colour to Steels' programme of original compositions.
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| © Debra M |
Nevertheless, one couldn't but fail to appreciate the musicianship of all five. Steels, as fluent a player as he is a composer. Pope, the only bass player in the north east who could dep for Andy Champion. Ben Lawrence, fast becoming an ever prominent force to be reckoned with. John Hirst, a powerhouse behind any band fortunate to have him in their ranks and, of course, Ferg who simply moves up the ladder everytime I hear him.
Difficult to pick out any single number but, for me, Witching Hour was the one that hit the spot. A post bop number with a Jazz Messengers' feel, it put the boot in. Big solos all round. Was this the one with John Hirst's lengthy workout? Impressive and a delight to see John Pope's enthusiastic reaction.
It had been quite a day. Two totally different gigs but both bands doing it to perfection in their own particular fashion. Lance
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