Giles Strong Quartet @ The Old Black Cat Jazz Club, Sunderland - Dec. 19

© Ken Drew

Giles Strong (guitar); Pete Tanton (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ian Paterson (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

On a cold 'Blackeye Friday' evening Sunderland's Cultural Quarter was buzzing with numerous attractions - the Empire, the Fire Station, the Peacock, Vesta Tilley's, the Dun Cow and Sunderland Minster. 

The Old Black Cat Jazz Club made a considerable impact during its short time at 1719 in Hendon. Circumstances beyond the control of the OBCJC necessitated a move away from 'Old Sunderland' and when the opportunity arose to move to a more central location, it was grasped with all four paws. 

© Ken Drew

Sunderland Minster is an impressive venue. Standing in walled grounds, from the street (High Street West) it's all rather discreet. Once inside, a vaulted ceiling, stained glass window and brightly decorated Christmas tree made for a grand setting. This evening the Giles Strong Quartet would entertain the OBCJC congregation. 

Giles Strong could best be described as 'a guitarist's guitarist'. Standards or original compositions, GS is the epitome of restraint and impeccable taste. His bandmates - Pete Tanton, Ian Paterson and John Bradford - share similar qualities. Opening with Days of Wine and Roses confirmed the above. No fewer than ten numbers in the set list were compositions by G. Strong. Each and everyone of them stood comparison with more familiar standards. 

© Ken Drew

Merlin's Merlot (named after a piano-playing member of staff at the now closed Prohibition Bar on Pink Lane in Newcastle), Brother T (the unamplified bass of Ian Paterson in funk mode) and Lullaby for Lissa, all written by Strong, were but three highlights among an evening of  highlights. 

Pete Tanton (trumpet and occasional flugelhorn) made best use of the Minster's acoustics, Ian Paterson playing entirely acoustically was a delight, and in this setting, John Bradford's use of brushes resembled a percussion masterclass. The Giles
Strong Quartet doesn't 'shout', it's not that sort of gig. When you next see a Giles Strong Quartet gig in the listings, drop everything and go. Russell

© Ken Drew

Set list: Days of Wine and Roses; Mubo; Love for Sale; Merlin's Merlot;  A Song for a Friend; Brother T; I'll Remember April; Coco in Paris; Tune 22; Sakura; Lullaby for Lissa; Alone Together, Billy's Blues: On Green Dolphin Street; Miljarder Stjärnor.