there's a number of local musicians with influence
being that whenever they play it is worth checking
steve hunter on electric bass is one on that list
tonight he has at least 2 more in this lineup
phil slater on trumpet is like jazz royalty
matt mcmahon on piano held in similar regard
there's 9 of them in total in tonight's lineup
4 piece brass section and 2 piece percussion
guitarist, pianist and the man himself on bass
apparently they released an album 10 years ago
someone had the idea of reforming for a few shows
a full house suggesting they are well regarded
the opening number a long, orchestrated piece
all the musicians deferring to sheet music
steve hunter working hard as the conductor
with his bass guitar used most effectively
completely cementing and directing the sound
often pointed at another band member like a baton
directing musicians to take charge with a solo
the bass itself at times sounding like a tuba
a big, full, melodic sound dominating the music
no mean feat considering there's a big brass section
they themselves providing some great harmonies
it all seems to be working quite well musically
but being very close to the stage is revealing
for one phil slater is a very tired man tonight
suppressing yawns, trying to remain focused
dealing with irritations that niggle away at him
sheet music that just won't stay in place
a bass player swinging a bass just too close
the impression is he's here out of obligation
but admirably he does his very best for the band
ditto i suspect matt mcmahon on electric piano
these 2 the core of their own superb quartet
brought to mind as i look on at this combination
likewise ten part invention also now visualised
result - steve hunter's nine lives has work to do
but i suspect this combinations days are numbered
especially when steve hunter plugs his other combo
the slimmer, trimmer, better translators coming up
2 sets of complex music played admirably tonight
they pulled it off - but - not much more really
another case of rehearsal meets live performance
wing it, rely on skillsets and strong leadership
but hey - grateful once again for their presence
better to have an ok performance than none at all
just hope phil slater catches up on some sleep
charged up for next weeks second performance
chances are that it may be really, really good
