Noel Dennis (trumpet, flugelhorn); Mark
Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass)
A Noel Dennis gig is a cause for celebration. Appearances across the
region are few and far between and this lunchtime Jazz at the Gala concert had
been in the diary for some time. An advance sellout, trumpeter Dennis would be
sharing the stage with guitarist Mark Williams and bassist Andy Champion.
All seats occupied, the trio opened with the Harry Warren/Mack Gordon standard There Will Never be Another You. Fluent, lyrical, assured, Noel Dennis is, without question, an A-list musician. Mark Williams and Andy Champion are similarly first class musicians. Pat Metheny's Snova came out of left field, but, hey, the sound of surprise and all that.
Jule Styne's I Fall in Love Too Easily brought out the best in all three musicians: playing with the utmost sensitivity, respectful of the melody. Time was flying (a sure sign of a good gig), two contrasting numbers to finish with: Arthur Schwartz's Alone Together, then one to stretch out on, Charlie Parker's Au Privave. It had been an afternoon of top class jazz in Durham.
Next month's Jazz at the Gala concert (Friday 22 May) features the Paul Edis Trio. Now that's one you wouldn't want to miss, would you? It's already not far from being sold out. You know what to do, book now at: www.galadurham.co.uk. Russell
Set list: There Will Never be Another You; Snova; Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum; I Fall in Love Too Easily; Love for Sale; Alone Together; Au Privave.

No comments :
Post a Comment