last night there were about 10 of us totally entranced by the music
my thoughts being why aren't there more in this city into this scene
world's best practice musically speaking and a de-void audience
tonight i follow some advice and get to another secret music club
a graffiti-rich entrance-way and a buzzer to seek admission
5 flights up in a dilapidated lift with no lights on
bringing to mind a scene from a twilight zone episode
there's already been a major power cut today so a tense ride
a relieved exit and a walk across a skyway to the entrance
pay the dollars down and in we go to the famed 505 club
there's something going on as there are a lot of people
in stark contrast to the previous nights (non) attendance
but a cautious (spelt c-y-n-i-c-a-l) feeling overrides excitement
a quick glance around confirms there's a lot of beautiful people
suggesting this may be more a fashion statement than a musical experience
but ok let's got with it - a crowd is needed and here they are
the music tonight is provided by the james sherlock trio
he himself on a beautiful white electric jazz guitar
the double bass played by the very busy brendan clarke
tim firth not seen for quite a while on drums and percussion
they start up with a quite gentle theloniuos monk tune
early confirmation given of another successful combination
james sherlock straight into all manner of chords, riffs, keys
tim firth demonstrating a light and fluid touch on his kit
brendan clarke glueing it together with mr-reliable bass-playing
the second tune is a jazz version of the stranglers golden brown
and very nice too - played with respect and sounding like a classic
i'm not sure many in this relatively young-ish crowd recognised it
then things go off musically speaking as the band settle in
some own compositions are played featuring the guitar
me thinking his playing not far removed from john scofield
maybe an unfair comparison style-wise but not skill-wise
a solo piece confirming this as mr sherlock quietens the crowd
so again the audience is witness to some world-class music
thankfully tonight there's a large number in attendance
about 80 people mostly sitting on the floor mostly listening
the annoying few thinking it ok to carry on conversations
and one chap thinking it ok to put himself and camera anywhere
effectively making the band a 4 piece with his annoying presence
to their credit the band ignored him and just kept playing
me - angry - i think he overstepped the intrusion line big time
showing complete indifference to the band and audience
in the second set we witness more fine ensemble playing
including a beautiful rendition of an antonio carlos jobim tune
a slow, melodic, lilting, melancholic tune played with style
and to me confirming that this 3 piece is in a fine place
their justified satisfaction celebrated in the final tune
announced as another jazz classic and given due treatment
each musician well relaxed and now playing very confidently
solos from each member leading to a lively and rousing ending
only spoilt by the amateur photographer again seeking attention
so absorbed by his instrument he had no regard for others
i did try to ignore him but he almost stole the show
thankfully the music tonight was too good for him
not that he would have noticed though
the james sherlock trio - nice work
