Interlude no.1 Jazz

In the middle of recording CIMF was a jazz recording and despite the immense satisfaction of classical virtuosity, it was a welcome change.  Michael J Brady had invited me to record his trio's visit to the Drill Hall, on tour to promote their recent album.  They'd managed a session in the ArtSound studio and this was also being documented, with video and audio.  Support was our own Ueber Gang led by Liv Uebergang.  I could only praise the name.  First up Liv, proud to be playing a first performance gig after very many bar gigs.  Expansive in her guitar playing sounding richly of effects, perhaps chorus or echo or both maybe more, she led on a series of classic modern jazz tunes and a few originals with offsiders Harrison Whalan and Sean Kirk.  Some nice, extensive solos from Harrison and a few from Sean but also a presence and structure to the band, not least to locate Liv chatting to the crowd.  This was like a performance not a simple gig and it showed.  Then MJB in guitar trio format with Oscar Peterson and Alex Inman-Hislop.  This was original music, neat and adventurous but remaining very welcoming and lyrical, not overly jazzy, but expansive around other styles, indie or folkish melodic, often quiet and meditative then into gentle grooves and unpretentious solos over a freely interpretive rhythmic backing.  Really quite lovely and considered.  So quite a difference but equally a gig of satisfaction.

Michael J Brady (guitar) led a trio with Oscar Peterson (bass) and Alex Inman-Hislop (drums) at the Drill Hall Gallery.  They were supported by Ueber Gang featuring Liv Uebergang (guitar), Harrison Whalan (bass) and Sean Kirk (drums).

Bands make parties

 

It's an indulgence, but I like to write up any gigs here where I've played with new players.  Ollie was on Friday and Liv and Imogene were at a wedding on Saturday.  Plus Steve, who we've played with before.  The wedding was in a back garden in Hackett for James K, a singer from In Full Swing big band, no less, so relaxed and comfortable and a nice place to settle into playing with new musical mates.  Unusually for us, we had a singer, Imogene, who studies at the Jazz School and also sings classical with some of the best choirs in town, and a second singer, groom James, introducing the music with a chorus of his own.  Plus Liv for some natty guitar solos and the practice of melding the two chordal instruments, piano and guitar, which, in the end was no particular problem given two capable and listening musicians in our James W and Liv.  And Steve, who we've played with in the past, sharp and correct and unobtrusive when not out front but then ready and explosive when passed a solo.  My playing grew gradually more even and settled as the day went on, so that was satisfying.  Then a final DJ set for the dancers at the reception; in this case there were none given no dance floor and the early afternoon timing.  But the departure of the band pretty much marked the end of the day, which was probably a fairly long day for those who had attended the wedding service.  It's understandable but also something I have noticed before.  A band is something special at a party and its performance can define place and time, so when the band stops, so does the party.  It's seldom said but I've seen it over and over.  Live music is a special thing and it makes a party, or makes a scene.  This was just one more instance.  So thanks to all, Liv, Imogene, Steve and James and our wedding hosts James and Rose.

An augmented Tilt played at the wedding of James K and Rose.  Tilt Aug. comprised Imogene Blake (vocals), Liv Uebergang (guitar), James Woodman (piano), Steve RIchards (drums) and Eric Pozza (bass).