It was the second Friday
of March; time for the monthly lunchtime gig at Jesmond Library, organised by
John Rowland. And there was a very good
turnout to hear an enjoyable hour of modern jazz, performed by the SH#RP
Collective.
For this gig, the band – who often operate as a quartet – were joined by Nigel Robson on trombone. Even with this extended line-up, the strong interplay between the musicians was clear from the start. Among the highlights were the fresh and engaging tunes written by pianist Mark Squires, who explained that he had drawn on topics such as long walks and the pandemic for his compositions. There was also the opportunity to hear some songs that are rarely performed nowadays. I particularly enjoyed the band’s rousing interpretation of El Niño, originally featured on Michael Brecker’s album Two Blocks from the Edge. Saxophonist Karen Rann also acknowledged Matt Anderson, who had passed on his arrangement of Bill Frisell’s Strange Meeting. Hats off to the band for keeping these excellent tunes alive!
SH#RP Collective have a
couple more gigs in Newcastle soon: at the Globe on Sunday 12th April, and with guest vocalist Lindsay Hannon at the Jesmond Community Festival
on Saturday 9th May. Also,
jazz at Jesmond Library will continue on Friday 10th April, with
John Rowland on saxophone and his trio of Alan Law on piano and Paul Grainger
on double bass. Catch these acts if you
can! Colin Muirhead
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