friday night = sound lounge
got there as the mc was on stage doing the big intro
a scan of available seating revealed one unoccupied table
front row, centre and about 1 metre from the stage
so as bernie mcgann strode on stage
i also took my cue and settled into position
some in-jokes on stage indicating a fine night was in store
before launching into the first tune
this outfit didn't even have to warm up
a count-in by bernie mcgann and away they went
he on alto sax and warwick alder on trumpet
perfectly harmonising and producing some sweet sounds
sounding more like a couple of clarinets than serious brass
these 2 out front and displaying a special connection
the new (to me) rhythm section behind but also linked
brendan clarke almost outsized by his double bass
andrew dickeson inhabiting drums and percussion
together displaying mutual respect for their fellow musicians
it would be hard to imagine a more balanced lineup
the 4 of them producing a beautiful, clean, swing-like sound
bernie mcgann leading and confirming his stature
giving his all as though nothing else existed at the time
before retiring seemingly drained to a chair on stage
leaving warwick alder to similarly lead with his gentle trumpet sound
before he too steps aside to allow the rhythm section to take over
brendan clarke is not flashy but totally also in the moment
after his first spot leading i'm sure he was close to hyperventilating
then andrew dickeson was left to display his virtuosity
producing an eclectic array of sounds and beats
a quick glance and nod and they are all back in unison
which left me with two words uppermost in my head
pure music
and this only the first tune - 30 minutes or so of sublime noise
back announced by bernie mcgann as a tune by thelonious monk
he of course being a piano player but confirming my impression
these 2 on brass making the need for keyboards redundant
a george gershwin piece up next and given the same treatment
4 chaps on stage totally absorbed and giving their all
at least 1 chap in the audience experiencing transendence
but a quick look around confirmed i was not alone
2 superb sprawling engrossing tunes in the first set
the opportunity to take a breather and charge the glasses
the second set was equally as enthralling for all involved
3 more long pieces each with multiple sections
culminating in d day written by bernie mcgann
sitting so close to the stage gives a great insight
there can be nothing better than witnessing such joy
for these musicians know they are totally in the moment
aware that the 4 of them are bound in a way beyond musicianship
the audience a necessary component to provide the love
which is why i guess they keep doing it
playing superb music to a small crowd
which continues to defy me
but i'm now hooked
long may it last
