I enjoyed this band so much at Hoochie back in January that I looked forward to this gig with eager anticipation. Was that anticipation fulfilled? Well, yes, maybe...
John blows great Dexter/Coltrane tenor you cannot fail to be overawed by his blasts. Simply amazing! So why didn't I stay to the death?
I desperately needed to hear a ballad. I wanted John Hall to exchange his belligerence for tenderness for just one, perhaps two, numbers. Show that he had a sentimental side alongside his macho, kick the door down, technique. However, I had to leave for the number 27 so maybe the romanticism came later - possibly when someone laid claim to the unmanned flugelhorn standing forlornly by the keyboard.
Brother Jim produced some keyboardian sounds and Tulip and Wake did the business in the basement.
Apologies if this is a bit negative but I just needed more light and shade.
Lance.
Thanks for the blog and apologies for the belated response, no negativity received we appreciate your honesty and are aware that at the moment we are full-on, in-your-face bebop by design.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest we all creased up with your description of John (including John) Ha Ha Ha!
Yes, you did miss his one moment of tenderness and two ballad's and three original numbers and Jimmy playing Flugel but there you go, when the number 27 beckons and it's tipping down outside we wouldn't have been out either on an evening like that, Newcastle - the monsoon capital of the North!
Slowly but surely the numbers in the set are evolving as we gig to a style that suits us. At the moment, the original compositions are taking shape quite nicely in rehearsal and we hope to air them soon at a venue near you - without the rain.
In fact I believe that one of our new tunes is dedicated to your good-self and if we can keep John on his daily dose of Tramidol it will remain a ballad!