Now, that was a joy! Given who was in the band, it was going to be good, but it was exceptional. Gaz Hughes led from the drums. Bruce Adams brought both trumpet and flugel. Alan Barnes played tenor and alto saxes. Andrzej Baranek was our pianist, very special. We had a wonderful dep on bass; Mike Reed. It was one of those sound checks where I learned a lot, as they went through the music. They were celebrating the great Art Blakey, and I am sure he would have been pleased with the gig.
We had quite a large (and very listening) audience. They all went home glowing. Our photog, Peter, was not able to be at the club (new hip, now recovering), but luckily, a photography student, Peter Bushby had asked to do a portfolio, so we used his shots.
Thanks again to Steve Jordan for the beautifully annotated set list.
Take care,
Dave
- A Bitter Dose (Bobby Watson)
- Arabia (Curtis Fuller) Curtis Fuller was a trombonist and a Jazz Messenger between 1961 -1965
- Easy Living (Ralph Rainger) originally composed for a film of the same name in 1937. The song later became associated with Billie Holiday who recorded it for Decca in 1947 with her own orchestra.
- Crisis (Freddie Hubbard) Freddie Hubbard was a Jazz Messenger between 1961 – 1965.
- The Soulful Mr. Timmons (James Williams) Bobby Timmons was a jazz pianist in Art Blakey’s band between 1958-1961
- Caravan (Ellington/Juan Tizol; arranged by Art Blakey)
* * * * * * *
- Duck Soup (Art Blakey)
- One by One (Wayne Shorter)
- Body and Soul (Johnny Green) featuring Andrzej Baranek
- 10. A Wheel Within A Wheel (Bobby Watson)
- 11.We’ll Be Together Again (Carl T. Fischer)
- 12.Moanin’ (Bobby Timmons)
ENCORE: Ping Pong (Wayne Shorter)