Once upon a time a Gerry Richardson gig was a rare happening. Of late, Newcastle Jazz Co-op's Railway Street HQ has become the band's primary rehearsal/performance venue. This evening's concert was the nine-piece outfit's third appearance in something like twelve months.
As always, Stone Church opened the show. For the next hour, Gerry, at his Crumar (a practical alternative to carting around a B3), marshalled the troops, the six-strong horns taking it in turn to blow the roof off the place. Blues for Big Red (for Rod Sinclair) featured the band's Fender Tele-toting guitarist, followed by a rare outing for Melodious Funk (T. Monk the inspiration), the latter featuring a David Gray solo of the 'five-nowt' variety, followed by Sue Ferris (baritone sax), upping the ante with a 'six-nowt' effort*. Superb! African Sunset (encapsulating drummer Paul Smith's mastery of his instrument), Gil Scott-Heron's Lady Day and John Coltrane (G. Richardson, vocals), Take the 'T' Train (a tip-of-the-hat to Richard Tee), the first set flew by. This was the Big Idea in blistering form.
Second set, another rarely heard number, Groovy Baby, resumed matters. Money's Gettin' Cheaper (recalling Jimmy Witherspoon singing the number at Heaton's Corner House), Song of the Ferris featured, yes, Sue Ferris (flautist Sue Ferris), All About McGriff (always a winner), Autumn in the Barrio, one great number after another. All of the horns soloed, special mention of Dave Hignett, hitting an occasional high note is one thing, soloing at length in the stratosphere is another thing altogether - impressive! Something like two hours had elapsed, the Big Idea all but done for the evening. Gerry Richardson and co went out on Night Train. Here's to the next time.
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