This is a band with a highly local flavour – Martha was a founder member of the youth band Koolkatz and a former pupil of Abergavenny saxophonist/tutor Peter Scaddan, while guitarist Jason Ball is well known for his teaching work at Abergavenny’s Music Studio. Bassist Alun Vaughan is from Swansea, while drummer Phil Redfox O'Sullivan has recently moved into the area.
The band played a mixture of jazz standards (including Brubecks 'Blue Rondo a la Turk') and original tunes (including Jason Ball's 'Happy Accident'). Skilton delighted the audience with humorous quotes and trills galore in her soprano soloing and the very ‘soulful’ style of her tenor saxophone work. Jason Ball on guitar is on top form at the moment; I have never before seen him playing in quite such a relaxed, melodic style. While never sacrificing content for technique, his semi-quaver runs revealed an effortless mastery of the instrument. Alun Vaughan on bass guitar more than did his fair share, with rock solid time keeping and stunning solo work. In the drum chair, Phil Redfox O'Sullivan is a recent and very competent addition to the quartet. Judging from last night’s performance, he seems to be to be settling in very nicely and I can see a long relationship developing.
The family evening proved to be a great success, and we plan to run more events with discounts for young guests in the future.
News - June 06
©
Peter Scaddan
2007