Ali Affleck & the Rhythm Rascals @ The Jazz Bar, Edinburgh - Nov. 9

Ali Affleck (vocals); Andy Schumm (cornet, clarinet); Natalie Scharf (tenor sax, clarinet); Fernando Montardit (guitar, banjo); Lucas Ferrari (piano); Jen Hodges (double bass)

In the week following this year's Classic Jazz Party some of the musicians went on tour, some of them delaying their departure to far-flung places. Ali Affleck put together a tour of the Scottish Highlands and the Shetlands for an all-star six piece band.

The Rhythm Rascals, as they call themselves, comprises Affleck, three Americans - the soon-to-be Chicago-bound Andy Schumm and Natalie Scharf, and Jen Hodges, in a matter of hours returning to New York - and from Buenos Aires, Fernando Montardit and Lucas Ferrari. 

This evening's final concert of the tour found Affleck on home turf at Edinburgh's Jazz Bar. Standing at the door to the venue, that looked like Bix Beiderbecke aficionado Andy Schumm walking down Chambers Street. Approaching the entrance, raincoat, instrument case, it was indeed Mr Schumm. A quick 'hello', our Chicagoan was about to go to work 

The Jazz Bar, down one flight, bag a front row table, time to check out the beer offer. Ah, yes. Keg, keg and Guinness. A (first) pint of the latter at 'tourist prices'.

On stage, over to our left, Lucas Ferrari tucked away at the grand, directly in front of him, fellow Argentinian, guitarist Fernando Montardit. Out front, our 'Windy City Two', Bixian Andy Schumm and Natalie Scharf, the coolest of old school tenor players, behind them, the swinging double bass player Jen Hodges.

The presence of two Chicagoans in the band all but guaranteed a hot session. Andy Schumm led the session with Ali Affleck taking to the stage from time to time (A Good Man is Hard to Find). Natalie Scharf impressed the Jazz Bar regulars - whoops and hollers greeting her solos. Killer Schumm 'Bix' solos knocked 'em for six, Lucas Ferrari pounding away at the 88s as if in a South Side Juke joint. All the while, Jen Hodges' propulsive, slapping bass lines powered the ensemble from first note to last. 

The evening's revelatory performance was that of Fernando Montardit. A fabulous guitarist, it was clear our man from Buenos Aires was a dedicated practitioner of his art.

From Someday Sweetheart to breakneck takes on San, That's a Plenty and plenty more, it had been one seriously hot session here at the Jazz Bar. The next time the Rhythm Rascals are in town - same time next year? - don't miss them! Russell