Gideon Tazelaar Quartet @ Llandudno Jazz Club - October 6

Gideon Tazelaar (tenor sax);  Neil Yates (trumpet);  Arnie Somogyi (double bass); Matthew Holmes (drums)

This concert saw the debut at Llandudno Jazz Club of, Amsterdam born but now resident in New York City, the very talented tenor sax player Gideon Tazelaar. Gideon together with Arnie and Matthew plus Mark Edwards and Sara Oschlag are undertaking a tour promoting the album launch of their new album The Ellington Piano Project, 1973 Reimagined, Echoes from the Duke’s last recording. The set list for this concert was quite different from the content of the album but the album was available for sale on CD and I eagerly purchased one of the first CD’s available. No Sara or Mark at this concert but a very ample replacement in the shape of Neil Yates, a world class trumpet player, who by coincidence curates the regular Monday evening jazz nights at this intimate pub venue.

The tour opens  on Oct 7 at Forsyth’s Music in Manchester followed by Oct 8 at the 606 Club in London; Oct 9 (lunchtime) at Eastside Jazz Club, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire; Oct 9 (evening) at Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham;  Oct 10 at Jazz at St Andrew’s, Hove and, on Oct 12, at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne. On the album Mark played  the same piano Duke Ellington played on in his final concert. Go support this tour if you are able.

Set one opened with Days of Wine and Roses by Henry Mancini. This was followed by the Charlie Parker tune The Study of Birds. Matt’s drumming during this tune was stunning. Next up was the 1965 Bossa Nova Gentle Rain composed by Luiz Bonfá. Both Neil and Arnie enjoyed solos. The set closed with Clifford Brown's Joy Spring and I particularly enjoyed Gideon’s solo.

Set two began with Just Friends a popular 1931 song that has become a jazz standard. Next up the ballad The Nearness of You featuring superb sax playing by Gideon. My favourite of the evening followed next namely Freddie Hubbard's Up Jumped Spring with great interplay between Gideon and Neil. Throughout the concert it was apparent that the rhythm section of Matthew and Arnie had a strong connection and they gave the impression they had played together many times. Arnie’s relaxed style and Matthew’s impeccable timing was a pleasure to watch and hear. Two consummate and highly experienced musicians at the top of their game. A real pleasure to witness. The concert ended with Cherokee and finally a tune by Ornette Coleman When Will the Blues Leave? from his sitting on the porch era.

A most memorable concert which was very well attended. Richard Morris.

 Set list: Days of Wine and Roses; The Study of Birds; Gentle Rain; Joy Spring; Just Friends; The Nearness of You; Up Jumped Spring ; What is This Thing Called Love?; Cherokee; When Will the Blues Leave?

Llandudno Jazz Club, Penrhyn Arms, Pendre Road, Penrhynside, Llandudno LL30 3BY

Mondays @ 8pm. £10 cash entry pp, no booking required but recommended if dining.