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| © Sylvia |
The stars didn't change in their courses and the planets continued to orbit around the rarely seen Sun. The audience at the Lit and Phil's monthly lunchtime session wouldn't want it any other way. Even the Sun shone as if to say "I'm not going to spoil this one". Other than a busted reed, nothing could.
Opening with How Deep is the Ocean? Clarke's warm sound, rich toned deep vibrato filled the body of the saxophone before emerging to reach every corner of the room.
Body and Soul, surprisingly, was played over a bossa nova rhythm that didn't do any harm whatsoever.
Just One of Those Things was anything but just one of those things! It was fast and everyone's hands and fingers were working overtime. Clarke throwing in a few Parkeresque licks as she flew like a bird through the changes. Stockdale, Shoulder and Finn, who were already playing a blinder, kept in the game meeting all the challenges head-on.
Both players and audience needed to chill out and what better way than Bob Haggart's lovely ballad What's New?. The romanticism simply oozed from heart and soul.
Bronislaw Kaper, he of On Green Dolphin Street fame, composed Invitation for a couple of films so it wasn't surprising it had a cinematic feel to it. Abbie's drum solo added to the effect.
A laid back take on Kenny Wheeler's Everybody's Song But my Own is always good to hear as was the rip-roaring closer - Dexter Gordon's Fried Bananas which closed the one hour session on a high.
What a great afternoon and you can hear Alex and the trio again tonight at Sunderland Minster. It's all happening on both Tyne and Wear.
Jazz at the Lit and Phil goes from strength to strength - long may it continue. Lance
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