Caught the 9th gig in the tour of this great band. Went to the rehearsal session first, followed by excellent tapas across the road, a drink with mates and then into the gig. Gwilym Simcock on piano. It was good to hear him after all the hype. Every bit as good as he is cracked up to be. Can't remember the names of most of the soloists and had not seen most of them before but some stunning and original playing. Paul Booth was a real treat. The singer, Hannah Jones, was phenomenal, expressive, soulful. The second she started you knew she was going to be good. The music was loud and bursting with energy.
Went on to the Brighton Jazz Club after to catch the end of Alan Barnes playing the clarinet and cracking jokes and, of course, the fantastic Jim Hart on vibes. The music was so quiet that you I had to ask the person next to me to stop breathing during the solos. Got there in time to hear the last couple of tunes and Barnesy thanking the audience for being so quiet and spurning The Northern Underground Orchestra to see him. Thought it best not to say anything.
A night to remember. I love living in Brighton.
Sunday 11 November 2007
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