woo-hoo - second sydney show this year for this ensemble
a full house tonight confirming the respect they command
we early-birds treated to a late sound-check come rehearsal
seems the logistics involved means that private rehearsals are rare
though probably hardly necessary with the skilled musicians involved
and possibly even adding an edge to their performance
early arrival meant for the best seat in the house again
centre, close, p.a. pointed directly at me, easy path to the bar
and most importantly every musician in eyeshot
the first tune providing instant rapport on and off stage
putting the music aside this is the great thing about them
the sense of enjoyment and mutual respect is there for all
so a few bars of music in meant it was like a homecoming
some amazing acts seen in the sound lounge of late
but it's always a good feeling to be in the company of old (ahem) friends
john pochee in fine form tonight as drummer, leader and storyteller
his foil tonight being long-time collaborator bob bertles on baritone sax, etc
john explains he and bob have been on a whiskey diet to force a loss
and this week they lost....tuesday, wednesday, thursday (boom boom)
thus typically providing laughs all round for band and audience
but of course it is the music that we are all here for
tonight they started confidently and got better and better
7 brass musicians harmonising or contrasting with ease
making for a sound quite unique in my limited listening experience
sandy evans rightfully centre stage as usual giving her all
in particular while soloing in her own piece titled rendezvous
putting all her energy and focus into her saxophone
while we looked on in awe at the physical effort she exerted
her fellow musicians equally appreciative of her playing
and presumably inspiring them as they took the spotlight
james greening on trombone is another one who excels
relatively quiet tonight in voice but big on noise contribution
i doubt there is another trombone player around of more significance
especially when teamed up with master trumpet player mike bukovsky
or for that matter anyone else in the band at any point in time
which is what is so compelling about ten part invention
in a live format there is just so much to look at and enjoy
not the least being the support given for each other
as they give and take various hand and mouth signals
particularly charlie watts lookalike and saxophonist ken james
he providing the sharp-dresser component of the group
but it is their music that is strikingly complex and adventurous
the tune titled tall stories in particular with a unique timing change
the brakes being applied then released very effectively
the sign to me of a good band is the loss of the sense of time
and so it was that before we knew it the big finale was upon us
blues for clancye is their traditional closing masterpiece
one listened to on high rotation on the mp3 player
but tonight in all it's live glory right there in front
affording a moment or 2 of closed eye reflection
confirming that musically this is as good as it gets
a rousing rendition, wildly enthusiastic applause
and unusually for this venue demands for an encore
but time limits denying both audience and band
hardly an issue though the deed had been done
all involved seemingly well satisfied
now looking forward to the next one
