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| © Ken Drew |
Rod Mason (flute, curved soprano/alto/tenor sax); Dean Stockdale (piano); Ben Crosland (bass guitar); Dave Tyas (drums) Wooltown Reflections is Ben Crosland's new album (release date Monday, April 27) and the nationwide tour to promote it began in the splendid setting of Sunderland Minster. Arriving at the High Street West venue in early evening sunshine, Rod Mason was spotted sitting on a bench 'enjoying' a cigar.
Bassist Crosland's quartet boasts two long serving bandmates - the aforementioned Mason (reeds) and, there from day one, drummer Dave Tyas. A more recent recruit, pianist Dean Stockdale, is, of course, a fixture on the regional jazz scene. At a little after half past seven, Crosland and co took to the stage.
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| © Ken Drew |
Across the course of two sets, Crosland connected
with his audience, crediting the composer of each and every number in the set
list (many of the compositions were written by Crosland, others composed by Don
Grolnick or Steve Waterman), location (principally Huddersfield) and people
(fellow musicians, non-musicians) and a 'jazz cat' or two (feline Billie being
one of them!).
From Broadway Departure to Destination Unknown, there was a palpable 'feel good' factor to the performance. Clearly comfortable in one another's company, bandleader Crosland exuded confidence in his bandmates and they duly obliged, delivering first rate performances. Rod Mason delivered, whether delicate ballad or let-loose-and-rip material. Pianist Dean Stockdale produced the goods time and again: whether chordal accompaniment or in solo flight mode. As for drummer Dave Tyas, 'Rocky', as he is sometimes known, is your 'been there, done that' musician.
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| © Ken Drew |
Ben Crosland's Wooltown Reflections is on the road. Check out: www.jazz-cat.com. Russell
Set list: Broadway Departure; After the Fire; Fawlty Tenors; Glyding; Billie's Blessing; Anne's African Odyssey; Malecon; Monsieur BB; Down in the Basement; In a City Blues; The Cost of Living; Destination Unknown.
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