The Dave Stapleton Quintet - Wednesday 7 February

dave-stapleton
The small but appreciative audience who braved the weather conditions on Wednesday night were rewarded with one of the best live gigs you could wish to hear (click here for more pics).


100_0925
Featuring Dave Stapleton - whose reputation as a talented jazz composer and improviser is well documented - on electric piano, the band played a selection of tunes from the highly acclaimed album 'When Life was in Black and White"





100_0924
Stapleton's leadership was never in doubt - he directed the band from his piano stool with confidence and integrity, his mastery of the keyboard evident from the very start. The first set featured the original tune 'Mr Snozman', a pulsating piece in 7/8. First off the block on this tune was Jonny Bruce. This guy has some serious 'chops"; he taunted and teased the listener with short phrases, playful and emotive, gradually building in intensity culminating in a crescendo of sound with impeccable intonation and tone quality. Next up is Ben Waghorn: in contrast he starts his solo with dynamic and dazzling semiquaver runs from altissimo notes to the very lowest notes of his tenor saxophone, displaying a balanced and rhythmic flow to his solo work.

100_0926
A chicken curry safely tucked under their belts, the band blazed into the second set. By now they were very relaxed and appeared to be totally at home. They continued with more original tunes, with Paula Gardiner on double bass showing that indeed she is a class player with every note conveying feeling. The drumming skills of Elliot Bennett complemented the entire band. His style is never intrusive and he and Stapleton seem to have a special connection. By the final tune, 'When Life was in Black And White', the band had the audience captivated. As I glanced around the room heads were nodding, feet were tapping, everyone was having a ball.

© Peter Scaddan 2007