Full House. An apt opening number here at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. Wes Montgomery the subject, Joe Steels the interpreter of the late, great American's music, Bishop Auckland Jazz is certainly pulling in the crowds.
On a sunny day up on Cockton Hill Road, locals, and the not so local, turned out to hear guitarist Steels, pianist Dean Stockdale, bassist and gig promoter Mick Shoulder, and drummer Abbie Finn play a one hour 'Wes Montgomery' set.
Confessing that he had yet to master Montgomery's well-documented technique of using his thumb instead of a pick, Steels played 'Wes' his way: long, flowing lines, rapid chordal sections, most impressive! Cariba (all four musicians on the same wavelength), Steels stretching out on Far Wes, a most sensitive reading of I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face, Joe Steels' Celebrating Wes Montgomery is an ideal jazz club gig. Go hear Joe and co at this year's Hexham Jazz Weekender (May 23rd). Russell
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