kirk lightsey is a french-based american-born pianist of some note
has played with very many legendary jazz musos - dewey redman, etc
sima had been promoting his 3 shows at the sound lounge for months
i was out of town during the week and had planned on heading further west
but a change of arrangements made it possible for me to get back for the last show
a check of available tickets during the day and surprisingly not sold out so it's on
walking into the sound lounge and impressively it's a large crowd already there
including various respected musicians which is always a good indicator
same old story for me - a spare seat down front with a fellow single white male
things are a bit late getting underway but before long they are at it
kirk lightsey obviously loves life, music, playing, interacting
he's a very jovial, animated, cheerful chap - and not a bad pianist
in the first couple of tunes it's just him and the rhythm department
brendan clarke on double bass again demonstrating his very solid skills
andrew dickeson in suit as usual providing admirable drumming
i've seen these 2 often and mostly as the core of bernie mcgann's quartet
always impressive as a unit and tonight the same as they hold their own
in fact i'm feeling just a little bit proud that they are mixing it with this man
there's constant eye contact between the 3 of them as they lock it in
kirk lightsey leading with rapid-fire and melodic piano-playing
andew dickeson most visibly answering the challenge and mixing it up
all over his kit with a vast array of actions all with exquisite timing
as a 3 piece this outfit would be world-class but wait - there's more
eventually they set it up and extend the invitation to bernie mcgann
he's then on his feet and centre stage adding in another dimension
his beautiful alto sax playing starting a bit tentatively but soon perfect
his usual rhythm section locked in and the pianist fully supportive
but then the heat got turned up and the band just took off
i doubt that i have ever seen a 4 piece outfit so well connected
each player giving their all and appearing to be well into the moment
this confirmed by a brief chat to andrew dickeson at the bar at the set's end
he in awe of kirk lightsey and saying their tour had been a complete joy
sad that tonight it ends but at the same time promising a great second set
of which i have no doubt as they return to the stage as a 4-piece
their confidence sky-high as they launched into some more ensemble playing
a tune or 2 in and my ears caught big time with a familiar set of notes on the piano
followed by bernie mcgann using his sax to great effect to play so what
the miles davis standard from his classic kind of blue album
so i'm already on cloud nine musically and then this is happening before me
bernie mcgann playing this tune with clear love and respect for it
what a brilliant night of stunning music from these musicians
couldn't help myself - had to thank the man as he stood alone afterwards
kirk lightsey a gentleman in all respects as he embraced my gratitude
advised me to come to paris for a show he has coming up there
i wish - a clasp of hands and into the night i went
utterly, totally fulfilled musically....phew
sima had been promoting his 3 shows at the sound lounge for months
i was out of town during the week and had planned on heading further west
but a change of arrangements made it possible for me to get back for the last show
a check of available tickets during the day and surprisingly not sold out so it's on
walking into the sound lounge and impressively it's a large crowd already there
including various respected musicians which is always a good indicator
same old story for me - a spare seat down front with a fellow single white male
things are a bit late getting underway but before long they are at it
kirk lightsey obviously loves life, music, playing, interacting
he's a very jovial, animated, cheerful chap - and not a bad pianist
in the first couple of tunes it's just him and the rhythm department
brendan clarke on double bass again demonstrating his very solid skills
andrew dickeson in suit as usual providing admirable drumming
i've seen these 2 often and mostly as the core of bernie mcgann's quartet
always impressive as a unit and tonight the same as they hold their own
in fact i'm feeling just a little bit proud that they are mixing it with this man
there's constant eye contact between the 3 of them as they lock it in
kirk lightsey leading with rapid-fire and melodic piano-playing
andew dickeson most visibly answering the challenge and mixing it up
all over his kit with a vast array of actions all with exquisite timing
as a 3 piece this outfit would be world-class but wait - there's more
eventually they set it up and extend the invitation to bernie mcgann
he's then on his feet and centre stage adding in another dimension
his beautiful alto sax playing starting a bit tentatively but soon perfect
his usual rhythm section locked in and the pianist fully supportive
but then the heat got turned up and the band just took off
i doubt that i have ever seen a 4 piece outfit so well connected
each player giving their all and appearing to be well into the moment
this confirmed by a brief chat to andrew dickeson at the bar at the set's end
he in awe of kirk lightsey and saying their tour had been a complete joy
sad that tonight it ends but at the same time promising a great second set
of which i have no doubt as they return to the stage as a 4-piece
their confidence sky-high as they launched into some more ensemble playing
a tune or 2 in and my ears caught big time with a familiar set of notes on the piano
followed by bernie mcgann using his sax to great effect to play so what
the miles davis standard from his classic kind of blue album
so i'm already on cloud nine musically and then this is happening before me
bernie mcgann playing this tune with clear love and respect for it
what a brilliant night of stunning music from these musicians
couldn't help myself - had to thank the man as he stood alone afterwards
kirk lightsey a gentleman in all respects as he embraced my gratitude
advised me to come to paris for a show he has coming up there
i wish - a clasp of hands and into the night i went
utterly, totally fulfilled musically....phew
