Thoughts on Roger Beaujolais’ Blue Note Quartet, 9 October 2024

Roger Beaujolais' Blue Note Quartet, 9 October 2024

Steve said:

It was a pleasure to welcome back vibraphonist Roger Beaujolais to Fleece Jazz after so long and especially with the three spectacular musicians that made up the quartet.

Roger was an entertaining and engaging compere throughout the performance over two sets.  He explained that the evening was a celebration of the great jazz vibes player, Milt “Bags” Jackson, who was best remembered as a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ)  but also from his collaboration with bebop, hard bop and post-bop players. This year is also the 100th anniversary of the invention of the vibraphone and we were given an overview of the instrument, its history and its working, which went some way to enhance our appreciation of what we heard.  This was no dry lecture thanks to Roger’s entertaining and often amusing style of delivery.

The first set began with what is probably Milt Jackson’s most famous composition, Bags’ Groove, in which Beaujolais gave us a full flavour of that characteristic cool, swinging bluesy sound which was beautifully echoed in Mike Gorman’s elegant piano playing before Paul Jefferies took up the lead on the double bass with a supple and fluent solo followed by a brief riposte from Milo Fell on drums. Next up is the jaunty Moonray, composed by Artie Shaw, which Milt Jackson performed with his quartet.  Once again, the prevalence of the blues in Bags’ interpretation comes across clearly, with Beaujolais exultant on the mallets and Gorman buoyed up on the groove.  MJQ founder, director and pianist, John Lewis’ Django starts with Beaujolais in solemn mood before Jefferies pushes it towards a more swinging sound.  Jerome Kern’s romantic ballad, Yesterdays, as interpreted by the MJQ is followed by the bossa nova sound of Bags’ Come to Me which lifts off superbly, with Gorman’s increasingly fervent piano playing standing out. The relaxed bossa rhythm is deftly created by Paul Jefferies, his gymnastic style producing a superb tone on double bass and Milo Fell complementing this on drums. The first set closes with another Bags composition, Heartstrings, where once again Gorman makes the running as he takes the opportunity to seize on the lyricism of the piece with an expansive piano solo as he matches Beaujolais for skill and imagination.

The second set featured four originals from the pen of Roger Beaujolais and it is to his credit that they matched the quality of Bags’ compositions in terms of lyricism and rhythm. Clearly it isn’t just Bags’ playing that has served as a genuine inspiration. The riff-based Blues for Bags emphasises this more than most with the rhythm section complementing the leader’s opening statement and once again Gorman delivers a wonderful solo. The up-tempo interpretation of Cole Porter’s I Love You is a highlight, not least because of the tumbling piano chords at various points from Gorman. There isn’t a single filler in either setlist and Beaujolais shows an ear for melody and lyricism in his composition with And When You Smile and in his dedication to Antonio Carlos Jobim with Joe Beam which featured Beaujolais and Gorman mirroring each other’s phrases with increasing pace and complexity. The last official number was a standout piece and performance – Chick Corea’s Sea Journey as interpreted by vibes prodigy Gary Burton.  Every single member of the quartet availed themselves splendidly and with obvious passion for the music, with subtle changes of rhythm and tempo keeping things interesting. 

THE ROGER BEAUJOLAIS QUARTET

SETLIST, FLEECE JAZZ 9/10/24

  1. Bags Groove (Milt Jackson)
  2. Moonray (Artie Shaw)
  3. Django (John Lewis)
  4. Yesterdays (Jerome Kern)
  5. Come To Me (Milt Jackson)
  6. Heartstrings (Milt Jackson)

*          *          *           *         *        *        *

  1. Blues for Bags (Roger Beaujolais)
  2. Full House (Wes Montgomery)
  3. I Love You (Cole Porter)
  4. And When You Smile (Roger Beaujolais)
  5. Joe Beam (Roger Beaujolais) dedicated to Antonio Carlos Jobim
  6. Sea Journey (Chick Corea) as played by the Gary Burton Quartet 
  7. Encore: Admission Impossible (Roger Beaujolais)

Dave said:

Roger was back, wonderful 4 mallet playing (he explained the grip for four), great storytelling and fun to be with. Mike Gorman was back, inventive and flowing pianistic ideas in both hands. We had two new people who delighted us.

Paul Jeffries came to the old Fleece for his first jazz experience. It was a Stacey Kent gig. He had been playing electric bass in some pop groups. Jazz won him over completely. He bought a double bass. His playing was inventive with spot on intonation.

Milo Fell is a drummer who understands how to play a room. He has big ears: he hears his colleagues and complements them. He had lots of trading 4s and one extended solo. The former was interesting and often fun. The latter was intense, varied and fascinating.

If I had to pick a favourite thing from a great gig, it would be Roger and Mike trading 4s. It was a bit like an old fashioned cutting completion, great fun.

Bryan Corbett’s gig with us was delayed as he was unwell. Well, he is back gigging up a storm and will be with us on Wednesday, 23 October. Of all the wonderful trumpeters that have played in our club, Bryan is my favourite because of his power, flexibility of tone, and imagination. He will be giving us the Blue Note era. This one should be unmissable.

Take care,

Dave

On Wednesday 12 February Chris Coull’s “Blue Note Sextet” – £20

Chris Coull Trumpet

Andreas Panayi Saxophone

Mark Bassey Trombone

Terry Seabrook Piano

Dan Sheppard Bass

Peter Cater Drums

Chris Coull

The band play a broad array from the much loved recordings of Lee Morgan, Dexter Gordan, Donald Byrd, Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, to name a few from the golden era of the ’50s and ’60s.


Chris Coull is a trumpeter well known in the UK and overseas for his lyrical be-bop playing and band leading. His influences include Clifford Brown and Miles Davis with a good dose of Freddie Hubbard and even a little Wynton thrown in the mix. Past excursions have seen him play at the Royal Albert Hall, Isle of Wight Festival, Jazz At The Lincoln Centre, Appleby Jazz Festival, Love Supreme Festival, to name but a few. As a side man, he has played alongside Alan Barnes, the late great Johnny Dankworth, heavyweight American sax player Jerry Weldon, and Richard Johnson.

Andy Panayi is an exceptionally gifted jazz musician, skilled in performance, composition and arranging. He plays all the flutes and all the saxophones and currently leads his own groups, both jazz and classical. He also writes commissioned works and compositions & arrangements for his own ensembles. Andy has performed and recorded with many singers such as; Shirley Bassey, Jessye Norman, Paul McCartney, Seth MacFarlane, Elaine Paige, Salena Jones, Elvis Costello, Georgie Fame, Peter Skellen, Zoot Money, Irene Reed, Elaine Delmar, Helen Shapiro, Madeline Bell & Patty Austin to name a few.

It is great to have the return of the wonderful trombonist Mark Bassey. Dave Gelly has described Mark as ‘A superb, witty player’. His playing can stretch from the ‘raucous’ (John Fordham) to an ‘exquisite sound and perfect phrasing’ (Brian Blain). Mark is a highly versatile musician who covers all styles from swing to bop (with John Dankworth, Stan Tracey, Alan Barnes) and the contemporary (Julian Arguelles, Nikki Iles).

Terry Seabrook (Cubana Bop), Dan Sheppard and Peter Cater are a superb back line.

On Wednesday January 22, Jazz at the Movies – £22

Joanna Eden Vocals

Mark Crooks Saxophone

Chris Ingham Piano

Joe Pettitt Bass

George Double Drums

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.“One of the finest combos in the country and a seriously talented vocalist . . . . . a great evening that satisfied both jazz and movie buffs. Quite a trick.” JAZZ JOURNAL

Jazz At The Movies is a unique jazz group who put an irresistible spin on classic movie themes and soundtrack songs from silver screen sources, both familiar and obscure. With music from many films including The Pink Panther, Gilda, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Aristocrats and The Fabulous Baker Boys, and songs by Burt Bacharach, John Barry, Leslie Bricusse, Stephen Sondheim, John Dankworth, and many others.

Presented by musical director and pianist Chris Ingham, Jazz at the Movies features evocative vocals by acclaimed singer Joanna Eden, bewitching saxophone and clarinet from Mark Crooks and a world-class rhythm section in Joe Pettitt and George Double.

Chris Ingham is a widely acclaimed pianist and singer, composer, producer and author.  He formed his Jazz Quartet in 2013 and has led over 150 performances of his Hoagy Carmichael, Dudley Moore and Stan Getz repertoire projects all over the UK.

Joanna Eden is a singer songwriter who grew up in the heart of England listening to UK artists playing American blues, jazz and pop.  Mojo magazine describes her songwriting as having ‘melody, mystery and bite’. With six solo albums to her credit, she is considered one of the finest singer pianists in the UK, with a style that covers a broad spectrum.

Mark Crooks works in a wide variety of musical settings including jazz, big band and classical. He has performed with artists ranging from Tony Bennett to Sir Simon Rattle, Lady Gaga to Dame Cleo Laine at venues from Ronnie Scott’s in London to the Lincoln Center in New York.

Joe Pettitt is not only a bassist but a musical director and educator from London.  He is the bandleader of the Len Phillips Big Band, a south London based 17-piece band whose members have worked with Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, Bing Crosby, Freddie Mercury, Noel Gallagher and Robbie Williams, to name a few. George Double is active on the British jazz scene and appears regularly at Ronnie Scott’s club in London and elsewhere as a freelancer with Chris Ingham, John Etheridge, Art Themen, Digby Fairweather, Derek Nash and many others. 

“Eden’s honeyed vocals…great diction and innate jazz timing, ringing out clear as a bell” MARLBANK

On Wednesday 8 January: Ben Crosland’s “All Star Band” plays the Ray Davies Songbook – £25

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John Etheridge Guitars

Theo Travis Saxophone

Steve Lodder Piano

Nic France Drums 

Ben Crosland Bass

“I never wanted to be a star, just a highly respected musician like John Etheridge” – Sting”

“Travis’ tenor sax borders on the superhuman in its passion and flow of ideas” – BBC Music Magazine

“I feel privileged to have you do renditions of my songs” – Ray Davies

It is such a pleasure to welcome the supreme guitarist and saxophonist, John Etheridge and Theo Travis, who front this great band. The music will be that of Ray Davies. Ray Davies’ songs are rooted in the blues, music hall, popular song, variety and musical theatre – the perfect vehicles for jazz interpretation.

John is an incredible guitarist whose playing is lyrical, restrained and over the top, simple and complex. His amazing history is too long for this note, just see the About page on his website. John has been a stalwart friend of the club.

Theo was last here with his own band and that was a wow gig. Theo Travis plays saxophone, flute and duduk and is a prolific composer and music producer. He was born in Birmingham but moved to London where he soon established himself as one of the finest tenor sax players on the British jazz scene. He has led his own jazz quartet for 25 years, recorded ten albums as leader having composed, arranged and produced the material and performed all over the UK including at Ronnie Scott’s Club in London over 75 times. 

Steve Lodders soloing is always both mellifluous and energetically inventive  He has the ability to select precisely the right keyboard timbre and texture to set off the overall group that marks him out as a master. One of Lodder’s great strengths is his self-effacing skill as an accompanist and as a stunning soloist. Steve will be playing both piano and keyboard on this gig.

Ben Crosland leads the band from the bass. Ben is a fine composer and a wonderful bassist. He was commissioned by Marsden Jazz Festival to write a set of jazz arrangements of Ray Davies’ iconic songs. That commission led to the formation of his Ray Davies Songbook Quintet, which has been much acclaimed. Ben arranged Ray’s songs for this jazz quintet. He has a habit of creating some great bands. I remember the trio “Threeway” with immense pleasure.

Nic France is one of the UK’s most in-demand drummers performing with, among others, Ian Carr’s ‘Nucleus’, Ronnie Scott, John Taylor, Jim Mullen, Bobby Wellins, Mose Allison, Billy Cobham, Django Bates and John Parricelli. He was also a founding member of ‘Loose Tubes’. He also played from 1984 to 1986 with ‘Working Week’ with whom he played on several European tours and recorded three albums.