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| © Russell |
For the festival, which ran smoothly from 1:00pm onwards, organisers Michael and Jamie booked four bands - three local and one national with a jam session to round the evening off.
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| © Russell |
It had been several years since I'd last seen/heard Ant Law live although there had been several CDs reviewed over that time. The one constant factor, apart from Ant himself, has been the presence of Michael Chillingworth. A masterful saxist they know each other well and some of the counterpoint passages between the two were breathtaking and it wasn't surprising that the lower floor of the auditorium was sold out. Drummer Brandão, who'd just flown in from Paris, added a few brief moments of power playing and Conor Chaplin was, as always, melodic and sound - Gibraltar will crumble before he does!
Because of the ethereal nature and the profundity of the music it could be argued that a more outgoing 'in your face' band or singer might have be a better festival closer. Maybe, the jury's out on that one!
Programme included: Colours; Parity; Ensconced; Blue and Gold; Cross Purposes + more.
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| © Russell |
Seven originals posed the question: How many times do you have to hear an original composition before it becomes a jazz standard? In the case of Joe Steels - twice. Several of the numbers played I'd heard at a previous gig and they were okay but, hearing them a second time it was as if a door had been opened and it occured to me that on some of them words could be added to great effect.
All four musicians were on top form - inhibitions thrown out the window - the small Studio performance space rocked. Not least when John Hurst went berserk on the kit.
The only band that drew an encore!
The Traveller; Round the Block; A Blue Patch; The Witching Hour + three more.
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| © Russell |
A delightful contrast by a trio lead by one of the most lyrical trumpet players around. The sound, the flair, the sheer beauty of his playing are magical. So too is that of Mark Williams. In a festival where guitarists were predominant Mark Williams was the very high benchmark. Andy Champion seemed to be everywhere and when he wasn't his bass was - he loaned it to Conor Chaplin!
At least one person I know ticked this off as the highlight of the festival.
The Good Life; Moon Alley; Alone Together; All Blues; ? from Bitches Brew; I Fall in Love Too Easily; Au Privave.
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© Patti |
Opening the festival was Nauta, a band comprising former students of Newcastle Uni and graduates of the Black Swan jam sessions. It was an impressive start to the day and it was difficult to equate the youthful faces with the maturity of the playing. Already they are making an impact on the wider scene. They will go far.
Equanimity; The Dreamer; Second Floor; ?; Our Time; Gotta See My Girl; Inter Salsa; New Drug/Joint; Jerusalem.
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| © Russell |
I didn't hang around for the jam which was a mistake as it was precipitating down outside but there was a bus due and, after such an enjoyable day, what was a drenching particularly as the reservoirs need topping up? Lance
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