The Scenic Route @ Dorman's Jazz Club Middlesbrough - 1st October

© Ron/Lydia Hampton

Josh Bentham (tenor sax, flute); James Corking (trumpet, flugel); Paul Donnelly (guitar); Dave Archbold (piano); John Daniel (bass); Jonny Mohun (percussion); Richard Miles (drums).

Playing their first gig together, this newly formed band led by saxophonist Josh Bentham gave the near capacity audience a night of most interesting music from around the world played with great passion and excitement whilst maintaining the high standards of Dorman's guest bands.

Opening with jazz from South Africa, McCoy Mrubata's Entiombeni a medium swing number was a good choice to showcase the band's ensemble work with excellent rhythmic support provided by Richard, Jonny and John.  

Staying in South Africa with Abdullah Ibrahim's beautiful ballad Whoza Mtwana, the number that inspired Josh to form the band, showed how well Josh's tenor sax and James trumpet blended together before they each played a moving solo followed by Paul's fine guitar work.

Moving across the ocean to New Orleans, with a complete change in style, an interesting version of Paul Barbarin's Bourbon Street Parade. A great swinging trad number with driving piano work from Dave.  

Then on to Japan for the Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring version of Sukiyaki, with James on flugel and Josh on tenor. 

Next stop the Caribbean for Herbie Hancock's well known Cantaloupe Island. Solid rhythmic backing and great solos made for an exciting version. Then a short hop to Cuba to play Oye Cómo Va (Tito Puente with a hint of Santana) and a fine guitar solo from Paul brought the first set to a close.

Starting the second set in the USA with the  Duke Ellington composition Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, a standard that provided inspiration for folk singer June Tabor, nicely played by Josh on tenor and James on flugel. Back to South Africa for the beautiful melodic Abdullah Ibrahim composition Mannenberg that included Josh on flute.  

Staying in South Africa for the Winston Mankunku Ngozi composition of Give Peace a Chance with a driving swing well suited to this band.

Back to the USA to play a slightly off the wall take on the Miles Davis version of Thelonious Monk's Well You Needn't, excellent solos all round and solid backing from the rhythm section made for a very lively number.

Returning to Japan for the first tune from the first Sonic the Hedgehog Game,  Green Hill Zone by bassist Masato Nakamura. A fast and lively tune composed for the video game.

The final destination was a visit to the Emerald Isle to play a lovely jazz version of The Parting Glass, based on an old Irish traditional tune with both Scottish and English influences. A soulful intro on flugel by James was followed by nice soft tasteful playing from all the band bringing the night to a close with this aptly named number.

This was both an interesting and highly successful night of international jazz from these accomplished musicians led by Josh Bentham, enjoyed by the audience and I am sure themselves playing jazz from around the world. It was also nice to see several prominent musicians in the audience.                                                              

Thanks go as usual to the staff of Dorman's Club for supporting the jazz night.  Ron Hampton