I have been greatly looking forward to this gig. I had recorded the trio (with a different bassist) many years ago, and mixing the recording gave me weeks of pleasure. There was no disappointment last night.
David Gordon was bandleader, arranger and composer (for some) and stunning pianist. The latter was no surprise considering his prowess and popularity as a harpsichordist and classical pianist. The melodica is an interesting addition to his skill set.
Oli Hayhurst was relatively new to the music. I say this because listening to him you would not suspect this. Such lovely solos, and some excellent bowing, such as in David’s “Bebob Tango”.
Paul Cavaciuti looked like he was having the time of his life, smiling away through the evening. He used a huge array of hitty things: sticks, soft sticks, hands, two kinds of brushes, mallets and I might have missed something.
So we start with a basis of truly top class musicianship, wonderful listening among the players. In particular, i loved the beautiful dyamics which only comes from great listening. But what about the music?
Some of the tunes were a little old. 297 years in the case of “Brandy for 4”, David’s brilliant recomposition of the 4th of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto’s. That one will stand in the memory, and I cannot wait for the CD to come out. We got four variations that Goldberg would have loved. A reprise of 3 works from “Alexander Scriabin’s Ragtime Band varied from sonorous and sad, through 3/4 contemplation to latin. In the latter, “The Famous Etude”, the melodica gave just the right latin vibe. Paul’s mallets were compelling on this one.
Of David’s own tunes, the beautifully descriptive 6/8 “Greenland” was a special treat. The contrast in vibe with “April Fool” was fascinating. On this one, Paul’s dynamics were stunning. David and Oli had a section of trading 2s, brilliant.
And then, my old friend, “The Alchemist and the Cat-Flap” closed the evening (except for the encore).
Next week. big gig, QCBA: Quentin Collins trumpet, Brandon Allen tenor sax, Ross Stanley organ, Lloyd Haines drums. How can you stay away from that? Don’t. We need you there.
Take care,
Dave