Happy

Happy is my favourite tune by Public Image Ltd.  Mr Ott didn't play Happy or anything like it, but they did produce it.  The Lord Anson was jumping within minutes and in ecstasy by the end of the set.  This was tight, infectious, classy, on top and joyous, with memories of Ethiopia and Sun Ra (to my ears and those of muso Darren beside me).  The whole place was dancing or tapping or, if not, looking out of place after a few tunes.  The tunes were tight, the movement were welcoming (Matt's steps and Ellen's claps), the band was hugely impressively ready to sit, and the solos by all were delightful and punchy and welcoming and playful and always apt and that bass could repeat and that's a skill in itself.  Jazz is all chops and serious study and we can too easily be serious and miss the joy.  Mr Ott does not do this and it's an infectious pleasure.  Loved it deeply.

Mr Ott entertained the Lord Anson as the last band on Saturday night.  They were Matthew Ottignon (tenor, baritone saxes), Ellen Kirkwood (trumpet), Dave Panichi (guitar), Daniel Pilner (keys), Jan Bangma (bass) and Hamish Stuart (drums).