We had to wait a whole month for this gig. It was hugely worth it, a wonderful gig. We had Joel Barford powerful on drums, Ross Stanley world class on the Hammond B3, Vasilis Xenopoulos on tenor and Nigel Price leading on guitar. They have been on tour for a while, so they are very tight together, but are still having a ton of fun with the music. It was mostly music by or loved by Wes Montgomery. So we had world class music played by stunning musicians having a great time.
The gig was called “Wes Re Imagined”. Nigel had orchestrated versions of the music in different vibes from the originals. He is a very good presenter, and told us all about his ideas for each song. So why, I ask myself, did I bloody not write it all down?
They began with an up-tempo “This Could Be the Start of Something Big”, which got us right in the mood from the off. Jimmy Smith’s `’Mellow Mood” gave is a great view of what could be done on the B3. Who knew that Ross could play chords on the pedal board? What an amazing player. The first set ended with Montgomery’s “Leila”, beautiful.
And of course, it got even better in the second set. Watching the accompaniment during the solos was such a treat. They knew each other, and they listened hard. They each came out with riffs that made their colleagues grin.
Joel is a very young, very very talented player. His solos were pretty spectacular and powerful. In our small room, maybe he was a bit too powerful.
If you were not there, I am sad for you. But you have a chance to hear one of the greats on 12 October, when Antonio Forcione will be with us. Don’t miss it.
Take care,
Dave
Steve Jordan provided a set list.
- This Could Be The Start of Something Big (Steve Allen)
- Far Wes (John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery)
- Mellow Mood (Jimmy Smith) subsequently recorded by Dr Lonnie Smith on the album, Spiral
- Dreamsville (Henry Mancini)
- Leila (John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery)
* * * * * * *
- Wet and Dry (Nigel Price) part of the new melody is lifted from Ed Bickert’s solo on Come Rain or Come Shine by Arlen & Mercer
- Jingles (John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery) played as a samba
- So Do It! (John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery)
- Movin’ Along (John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery
- 10.Road Song (John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery)