Nairn International Jazz Festival
Saturday the 7th of August, ending with encore the following Monday 16th of August 2004
Ken Ramage and his team had produced a stunning programme for their 15th International Jazz Festival, which gave me the opportunity to return to the beautiful settings of Newtown in the town of Nairn full of memories situated on the Moray Firth of Scotland.
In opting to take the ScotRail Caledonian Sleeper train leaving at five past nine in the evening of Friday the 6th of August from London Euston railway station to Inverness was again a winner. After a quick read of their summer Outlook magazine I made headlines to the lounge car for a nightcap, which ended up with me joining in on the friendly barter between two Highlanders from Dornock and an American lady from Texas visiting Scotland who was more than often in fits of laughter until late in the evening
I awoke early next morning, which looked like we were entering the "Pass Of Drumochter" several miles north of Blair Atholl approaching Inverness-shire at Dalwhinnie where the 3,087 feet Carn na Cain brought us into clear blue skies at Badenoch south of the Monadhliath Mountains after "steaming" through the Pass in a very thick mist.
The Sleeper was a bit late after five-past-eight in the morning on entering the photographic city of Inverness where, among others, I took this picture by camera of a bridge in the centre of the town crossing the River Ness Caledonian of clear waters (see pillar reflection) as it flows into the Moray Firth at the Longman Point.
I left Inverness just after noon that Saturday catching the train to Nairn, and, by the time that I had looked through the digital photos that I took of Inverness, the train had pulled into the railway station.
As it was a lovely sunny day I hitched up my luggage around me and set off for the 20 minutes walk to the Newton Hotel where I’d booked in for a six nights stay 'til the following Friday.The picture to the left is of the winding, heavy, overhead, tree shadings gateway road to the hotel, which brought back recurring memories, presenting a cooling end piece to my walk to the hotel : photo of it (the Newton flying the flag of Saint Andrew) to the right of this script.
As I had not booked to attend any of the jazz concerts on Saturday the 7th of August, the day of my arrival, after an early 6pm dinner, I put on my walking boots, taking the camera with me, I set out for the beach taking pictures of the Highland cattle in the field facing the hotel on the way.
It’s a known fact that Nairn is famous for its big, round orange-red sunsets, so I hoped that that night would be the night for such a happening to happen. The tide was out on my arrival in the gloaming around nine o’clock, and there were lots of seagulls crying contentedly, busying themselves on the rocks and sands as daylight was fast falling.
I walked, which seemed miles alone the coastline where the Nairn Golf Club links face the sea, and, as you can see by the three photographs below, the going down of the sun is indeed a wonderful sight even if it does not look something like a clear red ball of fire, but by throwing an unfathomable, glowing reflection of itself over the calm sea of the Firth.
SUNSET
ON MORAY
FIRTH
An area of the North Sea between Highland and Grampian Regions (Scenes from Nairn to Cromarty) east Scotland.
The trees on the left with perhaps Wych Elms, Norway Spruce, Larch, Italian Poplars, other that the once vast Culbin Forest to the East of Nairn of Scots Pine or Fir, show just how much the Newton team today are indebted to their earlier tree planters.
I was having a coffee in the Golf View Hotel, one of the Newton Hotel group before the 1pm jazz concert was due to start when someone in his or her dingy had to be pulled to safety by the Air Sea Rescue from Lossiemouth. Although the photo to the right has not captured the action of the yellow helicopter in flight, the setting was once the scene of Nairn jazz festival’s early days.
Duke Heitger’s New Orleans All Stars
Sunday 8th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
In Ken’s excellent, well-sponsored promotions booklet, he refers to Duke as being "widely regarded as heir to Louis Armstrong".
On clarinet in the group of "leading exponents of classic New Orleans jazz" was Evan Christopher, on trombone was Bob Havens, the pianist was Steve Pistorius and Lars Edegran was on banjo and guitar with Andy Cleyndert as guest on string bass.
I did not get the names of the saxophonist or drummer, nor did I recall there being any changes made to the eight in the line-up.
I was looking forward to this session and was not disappointed by it, neither, by the extent of their applause were the other members of a full house audience.
Between tunes Heitger was humourous, which his audience appreciated.
The opening number to the All Stars' two sets programme was Sunday conducive to it being the jazz session of Sunday the 8th of August 2004, it being their first appearance "over here", followed by I’ve Got A Feeling, I Want To Be Happy all great songs, marvellously performed, with the Wabash and Basin Street Blues nearing closing time close to many a traditional jazz fans heart.
Can Duke match Louis on playing the trumpet? Well, like several trumpeters living here, I shan’t argue against that question, but is Duke Heitger and the others as creative or inventive as was Louis Armstrong, then the answer to that is not proven, nor can it ever be so in today’s setting and future periods that will unlikely ever to match the past.
I declined without official comment to take further photos of the bands, simply because as I felt that the flash camera was unfair to such an appreciative audience.
Duke's All Stars play the calliope Natchez River Boat on the Mississippi, and when invited to look them up, a lady at the concert said that she would aim to do so during her forthcoming visit to New Orleans.
Monty Alexander Trio
Sunday 8th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel
Monty Alexander is unquestionably a master of the piano, and I’ll with imagination go along with promoters’ view on his performance that, "there are few pianists alive who can match Alexander on his day for powerful swinging jazz" but although captivating, his overpowering connections with the keys was not my scene, yet nevertheless, his jazz programme was intriguing and catching to listen to.
Four Hands - Two Pianos :Rossano Sportelli and John Sheridan
Monday 9th August 2.30pm, Newton Hotel
The stage was set with two Grand Pianos on display. Soon the piano chairs were taken by one, an American, and two, an Italian, whom both were making their Nairn debuts.
Works of artistic merit and ideas for such are not more than often conceived by the artists themselves but by promoters. As a result, such as it was we were witnessing scenes of unimaginable theatrical skills by two very articulate jazz pianists in duet with one another.
It was a polished performance, each one in time taking the lead conductor roll in their own artistic and personality fashion. It revealed their playing skills in a new and unique light, and their enjoyment in what they were doing created a special empathy with the dedicated jazz concertgoers in concert.
A certain must for a return. If having been recorded it has to be cherished, for it was a thrilling performance, which they themselves sought to put forward.
Kenny Davern Quartet
Monday 9th August, 8pm, Little Theatre, Nairn
The photo on the left leads from a roundabout on the main A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road through Forres, over the river Nairn bridge, by passing the centre of the town, shown on the right of the gateway to Newton picture taken on the Sunday when traffic was light and normally running tail to tail throughout the weekdays.
This photo is the gateway to Fishertown, King and Grant Streets where stands the Little Theatre and where the road moves on towards the harbour. On the entrance right, is the Harbour Street Post Office run by Alan Barron who has published a booklet of photographs entitled Old Nairn.
This was not the first time that I had attended a Kenny Davern concert.
His emergence as an important soloist was consolidated when he formed Soprano Summit with clarinettist Bob Wilber in which he was able to develop his uninhibited style on soprano, later specializing on clarinet when I was then able to enjoy his eloquent interpretations of classic jazz on that instrument. His Nairn concert in the Little Theatre for me saw him in a different light. His skills and humourous demeanour as conductor of a trio comprising of James Chirillo, a youngish, vibrant, near pop, guitarist and the skillfully, dexterous Rodney Whitaker from America bassist, well supported by the long outstanding drummer Tony de Nicola, saw Davern masterfully in command of this new to me - new skills role.
I was later as follows to learn that the bassist was a member of the Herlin Riley group, Riley being a member of the Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, and the Little Theatre crowd loved Kenny being in control of such a situation.
Herlin Riley Swing Quartet
Tuesday 10th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
This was the first appearance of the Swing Quartet in the UK.
The opening photograph to this review, taken at the interval after the Herlin Riley Quartet first set, shows the Grand Piano, which held place for pianist Doug Bickel, the bass, belonging to Rodney Whitaker, Professor of Jazz Bass at the Michican State University, the drumset of, or perhaps one set out for leader Herlin Riley from New Orleans, and lastly, the shinning silver tenor of Tim Green of the four, which can be seen with keen eyes tucked in on the stage behind the drums.
This was a wonderfully, breathtaking, exciting programme, featuring the bassist whose wonderful sounding instrument enhanced by the technique of its owner and complex playing, and a very adept drummer working with expert correctness and facility both worthy of special mention, which I believe the other two jazz artists will have no qualms in me so saying, for to find anyone more skilled at their metier than they in the UK - would doubtful be possible.
At a classical music concert the ticket holders are indoctrinated not to applaud until the end of the score. The jazz fan applauds and chatters when the will and heart takes it. The Nairn audiences were the non-chattering, applauding, tentative types, apart from the Second Line and perhaps Cherokee this concert going assembly including myself were out of sorts on end piece timings on some numbers, with a seemingly kindly smile coming on the face of the leader, reading - well they know not when, nor when not to applaud having heard us for the first time in their lives - but how great it is to hear.
A cheerleader next time - Herlin, whatever: it was a great presentable, enjoyable performance not to be missed.
Alex Ross Special Band
featuring Tommy Whittle, John Sheridan, Bobby Gordon
Tuesday 10th August, 9.45pm, Invernairne Hotel, Nairn
The photo on the left is of the beautiful and historic Invernairne Guest House situated in a lovely setting in Nairn having its own direct pathway down to the Moray Firth sea.
I quote the following from Ken’s promotions booklet: "Nairn’s own drummer (Alex Ross) of international class was first choice for top class groups throughout the UK in the 60s and 70s and still drives and swings a band with great enthusiasm and skill. He is with a multinational all-star line-up featuring a welcome visit to Nairn by a man who has dominated the tenor scene in London for fifty years - Tommy Whittle."
Tommy’s skills on the tenor here at the Invernairne had not diminished since years back when I first heard him playing at one of the open-air jazz festivals, staged on the scenic pastures of Leeds Castle, Kent, England.
The mellow Bobby Gordon clarinet from San Diego, America with a lovely tone to it was a perfect foil for the commanding Whittle leader's tenor.
It was after midnight when I found myself walking back to the Newton Hotel sharing praise along the way with the quiet night sky, reminiscing to it, of the John Smith string bass harmonising with a most wonderful cymbal sound coming from "Nairn’s own International class drummer" tempered on listening to the song The Nearness of You being sung by vocalist, Sue Cruse with her voice of passion so much adorable, and the guiding curvature empathy in accompaniment to her in song by the pianist from San Antonio, USA, John Sheridan, an artist that we had all come to look forward to listening to his skills on piano, was for me, the highlight of the evening deemed for special expression to the stars in that night sky.
Nairn is well blessed with female singers and at the following website
Les's Jazz CD Review : Les Cameron
you’ll find a KJR CD review with three more lady singers in it.
Yearnings - Bob Wilber and Bobby Gordon
Wednesday 11th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
The photo on the right is of a Sunbeam Talbot, said to be the only one of its kind in Britain, standing outside the owners shop "Occasions" with the Bank of Scotland, Nairn in the background, and which today many could be yearning to possess.
Picture taken on the quiet Sunday morning,
John Sheridan accompanied the two very fine reeds players on piano, Andrew Cleyndert was on string bass and to conclude the line-up was drummer Tony de Nicola.
Bob lead on saxello, and the professional manner in which he conducted the group raised the session to good effect, covering many of the songs on his CD entitled Yearnings.
Bobby sang on Sweet Lorraine.
It was a popular two sets session. The Bossa Nova, You’re Driving Me Crazy, Beale Street, A Pretty Girl, All By Myself, all went down extremely well in a relaxing manner.
The last time I heard Bob play was at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Thursday June 11 but I can’t remember the year, on a concert conducted by Shaw with Wilber playing the Artie Shaw Concerto for clarinet. I do know that Tommy Whittle was part of the Bob Wilber All Stars in the second part of that show.
Chuck Hedges Chicago Swingtet
Wednesday 11th August, 7.30pm, Knockomie House Hotel, Forres
The first drop of rain started to fall when the special bus arrived to take us from the Newton to the Knockomie for this session. When the score and ten of us busload arrived at the hall it was packed full. I got myself fixed up with a Guinness, an armchair and a listening position rather than a viewing one so savouring to the ear the best of Chicago jazz.
Leader Chuck Hedges was on clarinet, Duane Thamm on vibes, David Sullivan guitar, Stewart Millar bass, Charlie Braugham on the Alex Ross drums with Charlie using his own cymbals.
Tunes like Do You Know... featuring the guitar, I Got A Song Go Out Of My Heart, having a nice vibes sound. Got Rhythm and a special swing movement with nice clarinet technique on Shake Rattle and Roll all went down well towards the makings of a very good evening of great Chicago jazz.
The second set of I Thought About You, A Little Love Nest, She’s Funny That Way on encore, with the scene of the harbour full of boats finally make it another fine night to remember.
Johnny Frigo with John Sheridan Trio
Thursday 12th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
The salmon waiting in a pool at the mouth of the river Nairn
were today after the rain able to swim up to the source of it to spawn.
Violinist Johnny Frigo played his session in "Off The Cuff" fashion starting with a medley of Cole Porter tunes.
His artistic humour was infectious, as one could not help taking in a tremendous feeling of admiration for him,
by his skilful handling of his beloved instrument - the violin.
Johnny announced that he was 87 years old, was able to play all of the requests put to him and by the end of his concert
I could not help wishing that I’d been able to attend his Sunday 8 August afternoon one.
His rendition of Memories Of You sitting on the edge of the stage for his finally will always be in my mind.
Plas Johnson with Mike Carr Quartet
Thursday 12th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
In nearly every jazz festival staged, there are some needed changes that arise to be made, that’s
the trials and tribulations of being a jazz promoter.
Tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson heard on the Ella Fitzgerald Song Book was unable to attend, and, as I was leaving Nairn
on the early train next morning, I stayed only to catch the first number of Mike on his Hammond Organ.
There must have been many a "thank you" given to jazz promoter, Ken Ramage and it is here that I add mine.
His promotions booklet is full of invaluable information, and in looking at it again I hope that the
trombonist Russ Phillips and trumpeter Bobby Lewis from Chicago concert on that missed Friday went down well.
I was unable to take in the Brodie Castle and Findhorn concerts, but like many, I was able to enjoy
the foyer display of Michael Jackson Chicago jazz scene photographs.
There was a thick mist when I left Nairn for home early that morning
*****
Comhairle Na Gaidhealtachd
jazz festival review to
The Highland Council et al
By
Ian King
Kings Jazz Review
Saturday the 28th of August 2004
KJR Home Page
Ken Ramage and his team had produced a stunning programme for their 15th International Jazz Festival, which gave me the opportunity to return to the beautiful settings of Newtown in the town of Nairn full of memories situated on the Moray Firth of Scotland.
In opting to take the ScotRail Caledonian Sleeper train leaving at five past nine in the evening of Friday the 6th of August from London Euston railway station to Inverness was again a winner. After a quick read of their summer Outlook magazine I made headlines to the lounge car for a nightcap, which ended up with me joining in on the friendly barter between two Highlanders from Dornock and an American lady from Texas visiting Scotland who was more than often in fits of laughter until late in the evening
I awoke early next morning, which looked like we were entering the "Pass Of Drumochter" several miles north of Blair Atholl approaching Inverness-shire at Dalwhinnie where the 3,087 feet Carn na Cain brought us into clear blue skies at Badenoch south of the Monadhliath Mountains after "steaming" through the Pass in a very thick mist.
The Sleeper was a bit late after five-past-eight in the morning on entering the photographic city of Inverness where, among others, I took this picture by camera of a bridge in the centre of the town crossing the River Ness Caledonian of clear waters (see pillar reflection) as it flows into the Moray Firth at the Longman Point.
I left Inverness just after noon that Saturday catching the train to Nairn, and, by the time that I had looked through the digital photos that I took of Inverness, the train had pulled into the railway station.
As it was a lovely sunny day I hitched up my luggage around me and set off for the 20 minutes walk to the Newton Hotel where I’d booked in for a six nights stay 'til the following Friday.The picture to the left is of the winding, heavy, overhead, tree shadings gateway road to the hotel, which brought back recurring memories, presenting a cooling end piece to my walk to the hotel : photo of it (the Newton flying the flag of Saint Andrew) to the right of this script.
As I had not booked to attend any of the jazz concerts on Saturday the 7th of August, the day of my arrival, after an early 6pm dinner, I put on my walking boots, taking the camera with me, I set out for the beach taking pictures of the Highland cattle in the field facing the hotel on the way.
It’s a known fact that Nairn is famous for its big, round orange-red sunsets, so I hoped that that night would be the night for such a happening to happen. The tide was out on my arrival in the gloaming around nine o’clock, and there were lots of seagulls crying contentedly, busying themselves on the rocks and sands as daylight was fast falling.
I walked, which seemed miles alone the coastline where the Nairn Golf Club links face the sea, and, as you can see by the three photographs below, the going down of the sun is indeed a wonderful sight even if it does not look something like a clear red ball of fire, but by throwing an unfathomable, glowing reflection of itself over the calm sea of the Firth.
SUNSET
ON MORAY
FIRTH
An area of the North Sea between Highland and Grampian Regions (Scenes from Nairn to Cromarty) east Scotland.
The trees on the left with perhaps Wych Elms, Norway Spruce, Larch, Italian Poplars, other that the once vast Culbin Forest to the East of Nairn of Scots Pine or Fir, show just how much the Newton team today are indebted to their earlier tree planters.
I was having a coffee in the Golf View Hotel, one of the Newton Hotel group before the 1pm jazz concert was due to start when someone in his or her dingy had to be pulled to safety by the Air Sea Rescue from Lossiemouth. Although the photo to the right has not captured the action of the yellow helicopter in flight, the setting was once the scene of Nairn jazz festival’s early days.
Duke Heitger’s New Orleans All Stars
Sunday 8th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
In Ken’s excellent, well-sponsored promotions booklet, he refers to Duke as being "widely regarded as heir to Louis Armstrong".
On clarinet in the group of "leading exponents of classic New Orleans jazz" was Evan Christopher, on trombone was Bob Havens, the pianist was Steve Pistorius and Lars Edegran was on banjo and guitar with Andy Cleyndert as guest on string bass.
I did not get the names of the saxophonist or drummer, nor did I recall there being any changes made to the eight in the line-up.
I was looking forward to this session and was not disappointed by it, neither, by the extent of their applause were the other members of a full house audience.
Between tunes Heitger was humourous, which his audience appreciated.
The opening number to the All Stars' two sets programme was Sunday conducive to it being the jazz session of Sunday the 8th of August 2004, it being their first appearance "over here", followed by I’ve Got A Feeling, I Want To Be Happy all great songs, marvellously performed, with the Wabash and Basin Street Blues nearing closing time close to many a traditional jazz fans heart.
Can Duke match Louis on playing the trumpet? Well, like several trumpeters living here, I shan’t argue against that question, but is Duke Heitger and the others as creative or inventive as was Louis Armstrong, then the answer to that is not proven, nor can it ever be so in today’s setting and future periods that will unlikely ever to match the past.
I declined without official comment to take further photos of the bands, simply because as I felt that the flash camera was unfair to such an appreciative audience.
Duke's All Stars play the calliope Natchez River Boat on the Mississippi, and when invited to look them up, a lady at the concert said that she would aim to do so during her forthcoming visit to New Orleans.
Monty Alexander Trio
Sunday 8th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel
Monty Alexander is unquestionably a master of the piano, and I’ll with imagination go along with promoters’ view on his performance that, "there are few pianists alive who can match Alexander on his day for powerful swinging jazz" but although captivating, his overpowering connections with the keys was not my scene, yet nevertheless, his jazz programme was intriguing and catching to listen to.
Four Hands - Two Pianos :Rossano Sportelli and John Sheridan
Monday 9th August 2.30pm, Newton Hotel
The stage was set with two Grand Pianos on display. Soon the piano chairs were taken by one, an American, and two, an Italian, whom both were making their Nairn debuts.
Works of artistic merit and ideas for such are not more than often conceived by the artists themselves but by promoters. As a result, such as it was we were witnessing scenes of unimaginable theatrical skills by two very articulate jazz pianists in duet with one another.
It was a polished performance, each one in time taking the lead conductor roll in their own artistic and personality fashion. It revealed their playing skills in a new and unique light, and their enjoyment in what they were doing created a special empathy with the dedicated jazz concertgoers in concert.
A certain must for a return. If having been recorded it has to be cherished, for it was a thrilling performance, which they themselves sought to put forward.
Kenny Davern Quartet
Monday 9th August, 8pm, Little Theatre, Nairn
The photo on the left leads from a roundabout on the main A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road through Forres, over the river Nairn bridge, by passing the centre of the town, shown on the right of the gateway to Newton picture taken on the Sunday when traffic was light and normally running tail to tail throughout the weekdays.
This photo is the gateway to Fishertown, King and Grant Streets where stands the Little Theatre and where the road moves on towards the harbour. On the entrance right, is the Harbour Street Post Office run by Alan Barron who has published a booklet of photographs entitled Old Nairn.
This was not the first time that I had attended a Kenny Davern concert.
His emergence as an important soloist was consolidated when he formed Soprano Summit with clarinettist Bob Wilber in which he was able to develop his uninhibited style on soprano, later specializing on clarinet when I was then able to enjoy his eloquent interpretations of classic jazz on that instrument. His Nairn concert in the Little Theatre for me saw him in a different light. His skills and humourous demeanour as conductor of a trio comprising of James Chirillo, a youngish, vibrant, near pop, guitarist and the skillfully, dexterous Rodney Whitaker from America bassist, well supported by the long outstanding drummer Tony de Nicola, saw Davern masterfully in command of this new to me - new skills role.
I was later as follows to learn that the bassist was a member of the Herlin Riley group, Riley being a member of the Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, and the Little Theatre crowd loved Kenny being in control of such a situation.
Herlin Riley Swing Quartet
Tuesday 10th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
This was the first appearance of the Swing Quartet in the UK.
The opening photograph to this review, taken at the interval after the Herlin Riley Quartet first set, shows the Grand Piano, which held place for pianist Doug Bickel, the bass, belonging to Rodney Whitaker, Professor of Jazz Bass at the Michican State University, the drumset of, or perhaps one set out for leader Herlin Riley from New Orleans, and lastly, the shinning silver tenor of Tim Green of the four, which can be seen with keen eyes tucked in on the stage behind the drums.
This was a wonderfully, breathtaking, exciting programme, featuring the bassist whose wonderful sounding instrument enhanced by the technique of its owner and complex playing, and a very adept drummer working with expert correctness and facility both worthy of special mention, which I believe the other two jazz artists will have no qualms in me so saying, for to find anyone more skilled at their metier than they in the UK - would doubtful be possible.
At a classical music concert the ticket holders are indoctrinated not to applaud until the end of the score. The jazz fan applauds and chatters when the will and heart takes it. The Nairn audiences were the non-chattering, applauding, tentative types, apart from the Second Line and perhaps Cherokee this concert going assembly including myself were out of sorts on end piece timings on some numbers, with a seemingly kindly smile coming on the face of the leader, reading - well they know not when, nor when not to applaud having heard us for the first time in their lives - but how great it is to hear.
A cheerleader next time - Herlin, whatever: it was a great presentable, enjoyable performance not to be missed.
Alex Ross Special Band
featuring Tommy Whittle, John Sheridan, Bobby Gordon
Tuesday 10th August, 9.45pm, Invernairne Hotel, Nairn
The photo on the left is of the beautiful and historic Invernairne Guest House situated in a lovely setting in Nairn having its own direct pathway down to the Moray Firth sea.
I quote the following from Ken’s promotions booklet: "Nairn’s own drummer (Alex Ross) of international class was first choice for top class groups throughout the UK in the 60s and 70s and still drives and swings a band with great enthusiasm and skill. He is with a multinational all-star line-up featuring a welcome visit to Nairn by a man who has dominated the tenor scene in London for fifty years - Tommy Whittle."
Tommy’s skills on the tenor here at the Invernairne had not diminished since years back when I first heard him playing at one of the open-air jazz festivals, staged on the scenic pastures of Leeds Castle, Kent, England.
The mellow Bobby Gordon clarinet from San Diego, America with a lovely tone to it was a perfect foil for the commanding Whittle leader's tenor.
It was after midnight when I found myself walking back to the Newton Hotel sharing praise along the way with the quiet night sky, reminiscing to it, of the John Smith string bass harmonising with a most wonderful cymbal sound coming from "Nairn’s own International class drummer" tempered on listening to the song The Nearness of You being sung by vocalist, Sue Cruse with her voice of passion so much adorable, and the guiding curvature empathy in accompaniment to her in song by the pianist from San Antonio, USA, John Sheridan, an artist that we had all come to look forward to listening to his skills on piano, was for me, the highlight of the evening deemed for special expression to the stars in that night sky.
Nairn is well blessed with female singers and at the following website
Les's Jazz CD Review : Les Cameron
you’ll find a KJR CD review with three more lady singers in it.
Yearnings - Bob Wilber and Bobby Gordon
Wednesday 11th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
The photo on the right is of a Sunbeam Talbot, said to be the only one of its kind in Britain, standing outside the owners shop "Occasions" with the Bank of Scotland, Nairn in the background, and which today many could be yearning to possess.
Picture taken on the quiet Sunday morning,
John Sheridan accompanied the two very fine reeds players on piano, Andrew Cleyndert was on string bass and to conclude the line-up was drummer Tony de Nicola.
Bob lead on saxello, and the professional manner in which he conducted the group raised the session to good effect, covering many of the songs on his CD entitled Yearnings.
Bobby sang on Sweet Lorraine.
It was a popular two sets session. The Bossa Nova, You’re Driving Me Crazy, Beale Street, A Pretty Girl, All By Myself, all went down extremely well in a relaxing manner.
The last time I heard Bob play was at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Thursday June 11 but I can’t remember the year, on a concert conducted by Shaw with Wilber playing the Artie Shaw Concerto for clarinet. I do know that Tommy Whittle was part of the Bob Wilber All Stars in the second part of that show.
Chuck Hedges Chicago Swingtet
Wednesday 11th August, 7.30pm, Knockomie House Hotel, Forres
The first drop of rain started to fall when the special bus arrived to take us from the Newton to the Knockomie for this session. When the score and ten of us busload arrived at the hall it was packed full. I got myself fixed up with a Guinness, an armchair and a listening position rather than a viewing one so savouring to the ear the best of Chicago jazz.
Leader Chuck Hedges was on clarinet, Duane Thamm on vibes, David Sullivan guitar, Stewart Millar bass, Charlie Braugham on the Alex Ross drums with Charlie using his own cymbals.
Tunes like Do You Know... featuring the guitar, I Got A Song Go Out Of My Heart, having a nice vibes sound. Got Rhythm and a special swing movement with nice clarinet technique on Shake Rattle and Roll all went down well towards the makings of a very good evening of great Chicago jazz.
The second set of I Thought About You, A Little Love Nest, She’s Funny That Way on encore, with the scene of the harbour full of boats finally make it another fine night to remember.
Johnny Frigo with John Sheridan Trio
Thursday 12th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
The salmon waiting in a pool at the mouth of the river Nairn
were today after the rain able to swim up to the source of it to spawn.
Violinist Johnny Frigo played his session in "Off The Cuff" fashion starting with a medley of Cole Porter tunes.
His artistic humour was infectious, as one could not help taking in a tremendous feeling of admiration for him,
by his skilful handling of his beloved instrument - the violin.
Johnny announced that he was 87 years old, was able to play all of the requests put to him and by the end of his concert
I could not help wishing that I’d been able to attend his Sunday 8 August afternoon one.
His rendition of Memories Of You sitting on the edge of the stage for his finally will always be in my mind.
Plas Johnson with Mike Carr Quartet
Thursday 12th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
In nearly every jazz festival staged, there are some needed changes that arise to be made, that’s
the trials and tribulations of being a jazz promoter.
Tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson heard on the Ella Fitzgerald Song Book was unable to attend, and, as I was leaving Nairn
on the early train next morning, I stayed only to catch the first number of Mike on his Hammond Organ.
There must have been many a "thank you" given to jazz promoter, Ken Ramage and it is here that I add mine.
His promotions booklet is full of invaluable information, and in looking at it again I hope that the
trombonist Russ Phillips and trumpeter Bobby Lewis from Chicago concert on that missed Friday went down well.
I was unable to take in the Brodie Castle and Findhorn concerts, but like many, I was able to enjoy
the foyer display of Michael Jackson Chicago jazz scene photographs.
There was a thick mist when I left Nairn for home early that morning
*****
Comhairle Na Gaidhealtachd
jazz festival review to
The Highland Council et al
By
Ian King
Kings Jazz Review
Saturday the 28th of August 2004
KJR Home Page
In opting to take the ScotRail Caledonian Sleeper train leaving at five past nine in the evening of Friday the 6th of August from London Euston railway station to Inverness was again a winner. After a quick read of their summer Outlook magazine I made headlines to the lounge car for a nightcap, which ended up with me joining in on the friendly barter between two Highlanders from Dornock and an American lady from Texas visiting Scotland who was more than often in fits of laughter until late in the evening
I awoke early next morning, which looked like we were entering the "Pass Of Drumochter" several miles north of Blair Atholl approaching Inverness-shire at Dalwhinnie where the 3,087 feet Carn na Cain brought us into clear blue skies at Badenoch south of the Monadhliath Mountains after "steaming" through the Pass in a very thick mist.
The Sleeper was a bit late after five-past-eight in the morning on entering the photographic city of Inverness where, among others, I took this picture by camera of a bridge in the centre of the town crossing the River Ness Caledonian of clear waters (see pillar reflection) as it flows into the Moray Firth at the Longman Point.
I left Inverness just after noon that Saturday catching the train to Nairn, and, by the time that I had looked through the digital photos that I took of Inverness, the train had pulled into the railway station.
As it was a lovely sunny day I hitched up my luggage around me and set off for the 20 minutes walk to the Newton Hotel where I’d booked in for a six nights stay 'til the following Friday.The picture to the left is of the winding, heavy, overhead, tree shadings gateway road to the hotel, which brought back recurring memories, presenting a cooling end piece to my walk to the hotel : photo of it (the Newton flying the flag of Saint Andrew) to the right of this script.
As I had not booked to attend any of the jazz concerts on Saturday the 7th of August, the day of my arrival, after an early 6pm dinner, I put on my walking boots, taking the camera with me, I set out for the beach taking pictures of the Highland cattle in the field facing the hotel on the way.
It’s a known fact that Nairn is famous for its big, round orange-red sunsets, so I hoped that that night would be the night for such a happening to happen. The tide was out on my arrival in the gloaming around nine o’clock, and there were lots of seagulls crying contentedly, busying themselves on the rocks and sands as daylight was fast falling.
I walked, which seemed miles alone the coastline where the Nairn Golf Club links face the sea, and, as you can see by the three photographs below, the going down of the sun is indeed a wonderful sight even if it does not look something like a clear red ball of fire, but by throwing an unfathomable, glowing reflection of itself over the calm sea of the Firth.
SUNSET
ON MORAY
FIRTH
An area of the North Sea between Highland and Grampian Regions (Scenes from Nairn to Cromarty) east Scotland.
The trees on the left with perhaps Wych Elms, Norway Spruce, Larch, Italian Poplars, other that the once vast Culbin Forest to the East of Nairn of Scots Pine or Fir, show just how much the Newton team today are indebted to their earlier tree planters.
I was having a coffee in the Golf View Hotel, one of the Newton Hotel group before the 1pm jazz concert was due to start when someone in his or her dingy had to be pulled to safety by the Air Sea Rescue from Lossiemouth. Although the photo to the right has not captured the action of the yellow helicopter in flight, the setting was once the scene of Nairn jazz festival’s early days.
Duke Heitger’s New Orleans All Stars
Sunday 8th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
In Ken’s excellent, well-sponsored promotions booklet, he refers to Duke as being "widely regarded as heir to Louis Armstrong".
On clarinet in the group of "leading exponents of classic New Orleans jazz" was Evan Christopher, on trombone was Bob Havens, the pianist was Steve Pistorius and Lars Edegran was on banjo and guitar with Andy Cleyndert as guest on string bass.
I did not get the names of the saxophonist or drummer, nor did I recall there being any changes made to the eight in the line-up.
I was looking forward to this session and was not disappointed by it, neither, by the extent of their applause were the other members of a full house audience.
Between tunes Heitger was humourous, which his audience appreciated.
The opening number to the All Stars' two sets programme was Sunday conducive to it being the jazz session of Sunday the 8th of August 2004, it being their first appearance "over here", followed by I’ve Got A Feeling, I Want To Be Happy all great songs, marvellously performed, with the Wabash and Basin Street Blues nearing closing time close to many a traditional jazz fans heart.
Can Duke match Louis on playing the trumpet? Well, like several trumpeters living here, I shan’t argue against that question, but is Duke Heitger and the others as creative or inventive as was Louis Armstrong, then the answer to that is not proven, nor can it ever be so in today’s setting and future periods that will unlikely ever to match the past.
I declined without official comment to take further photos of the bands, simply because as I felt that the flash camera was unfair to such an appreciative audience.
Duke's All Stars play the calliope Natchez River Boat on the Mississippi, and when invited to look them up, a lady at the concert said that she would aim to do so during her forthcoming visit to New Orleans.
Monty Alexander Trio
Sunday 8th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel
Monty Alexander is unquestionably a master of the piano, and I’ll with imagination go along with promoters’ view on his performance that, "there are few pianists alive who can match Alexander on his day for powerful swinging jazz" but although captivating, his overpowering connections with the keys was not my scene, yet nevertheless, his jazz programme was intriguing and catching to listen to.
Four Hands - Two Pianos :Rossano Sportelli and John Sheridan
Monday 9th August 2.30pm, Newton Hotel
The stage was set with two Grand Pianos on display. Soon the piano chairs were taken by one, an American, and two, an Italian, whom both were making their Nairn debuts.
Works of artistic merit and ideas for such are not more than often conceived by the artists themselves but by promoters. As a result, such as it was we were witnessing scenes of unimaginable theatrical skills by two very articulate jazz pianists in duet with one another.
It was a polished performance, each one in time taking the lead conductor roll in their own artistic and personality fashion. It revealed their playing skills in a new and unique light, and their enjoyment in what they were doing created a special empathy with the dedicated jazz concertgoers in concert.
A certain must for a return. If having been recorded it has to be cherished, for it was a thrilling performance, which they themselves sought to put forward.
Kenny Davern Quartet
Monday 9th August, 8pm, Little Theatre, Nairn
The photo on the left leads from a roundabout on the main A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road through Forres, over the river Nairn bridge, by passing the centre of the town, shown on the right of the gateway to Newton picture taken on the Sunday when traffic was light and normally running tail to tail throughout the weekdays.
This photo is the gateway to Fishertown, King and Grant Streets where stands the Little Theatre and where the road moves on towards the harbour. On the entrance right, is the Harbour Street Post Office run by Alan Barron who has published a booklet of photographs entitled Old Nairn.
This was not the first time that I had attended a Kenny Davern concert.
His emergence as an important soloist was consolidated when he formed Soprano Summit with clarinettist Bob Wilber in which he was able to develop his uninhibited style on soprano, later specializing on clarinet when I was then able to enjoy his eloquent interpretations of classic jazz on that instrument. His Nairn concert in the Little Theatre for me saw him in a different light. His skills and humourous demeanour as conductor of a trio comprising of James Chirillo, a youngish, vibrant, near pop, guitarist and the skillfully, dexterous Rodney Whitaker from America bassist, well supported by the long outstanding drummer Tony de Nicola, saw Davern masterfully in command of this new to me - new skills role.
I was later as follows to learn that the bassist was a member of the Herlin Riley group, Riley being a member of the Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, and the Little Theatre crowd loved Kenny being in control of such a situation.
Herlin Riley Swing Quartet
Tuesday 10th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
This was the first appearance of the Swing Quartet in the UK.
The opening photograph to this review, taken at the interval after the Herlin Riley Quartet first set, shows the Grand Piano, which held place for pianist Doug Bickel, the bass, belonging to Rodney Whitaker, Professor of Jazz Bass at the Michican State University, the drumset of, or perhaps one set out for leader Herlin Riley from New Orleans, and lastly, the shinning silver tenor of Tim Green of the four, which can be seen with keen eyes tucked in on the stage behind the drums.
This was a wonderfully, breathtaking, exciting programme, featuring the bassist whose wonderful sounding instrument enhanced by the technique of its owner and complex playing, and a very adept drummer working with expert correctness and facility both worthy of special mention, which I believe the other two jazz artists will have no qualms in me so saying, for to find anyone more skilled at their metier than they in the UK - would doubtful be possible.
At a classical music concert the ticket holders are indoctrinated not to applaud until the end of the score. The jazz fan applauds and chatters when the will and heart takes it. The Nairn audiences were the non-chattering, applauding, tentative types, apart from the Second Line and perhaps Cherokee this concert going assembly including myself were out of sorts on end piece timings on some numbers, with a seemingly kindly smile coming on the face of the leader, reading - well they know not when, nor when not to applaud having heard us for the first time in their lives - but how great it is to hear.
A cheerleader next time - Herlin, whatever: it was a great presentable, enjoyable performance not to be missed.
Alex Ross Special Band
featuring Tommy Whittle, John Sheridan, Bobby Gordon
Tuesday 10th August, 9.45pm, Invernairne Hotel, Nairn
The photo on the left is of the beautiful and historic Invernairne Guest House situated in a lovely setting in Nairn having its own direct pathway down to the Moray Firth sea.
I quote the following from Ken’s promotions booklet: "Nairn’s own drummer (Alex Ross) of international class was first choice for top class groups throughout the UK in the 60s and 70s and still drives and swings a band with great enthusiasm and skill. He is with a multinational all-star line-up featuring a welcome visit to Nairn by a man who has dominated the tenor scene in London for fifty years - Tommy Whittle."
Tommy’s skills on the tenor here at the Invernairne had not diminished since years back when I first heard him playing at one of the open-air jazz festivals, staged on the scenic pastures of Leeds Castle, Kent, England.
The mellow Bobby Gordon clarinet from San Diego, America with a lovely tone to it was a perfect foil for the commanding Whittle leader's tenor.
It was after midnight when I found myself walking back to the Newton Hotel sharing praise along the way with the quiet night sky, reminiscing to it, of the John Smith string bass harmonising with a most wonderful cymbal sound coming from "Nairn’s own International class drummer" tempered on listening to the song The Nearness of You being sung by vocalist, Sue Cruse with her voice of passion so much adorable, and the guiding curvature empathy in accompaniment to her in song by the pianist from San Antonio, USA, John Sheridan, an artist that we had all come to look forward to listening to his skills on piano, was for me, the highlight of the evening deemed for special expression to the stars in that night sky.
Nairn is well blessed with female singers and at the following website
Les's Jazz CD Review : Les Cameron
you’ll find a KJR CD review with three more lady singers in it.
Yearnings - Bob Wilber and Bobby Gordon
Wednesday 11th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
The photo on the right is of a Sunbeam Talbot, said to be the only one of its kind in Britain, standing outside the owners shop "Occasions" with the Bank of Scotland, Nairn in the background, and which today many could be yearning to possess.
Picture taken on the quiet Sunday morning,
John Sheridan accompanied the two very fine reeds players on piano, Andrew Cleyndert was on string bass and to conclude the line-up was drummer Tony de Nicola.
Bob lead on saxello, and the professional manner in which he conducted the group raised the session to good effect, covering many of the songs on his CD entitled Yearnings.
Bobby sang on Sweet Lorraine.
It was a popular two sets session. The Bossa Nova, You’re Driving Me Crazy, Beale Street, A Pretty Girl, All By Myself, all went down extremely well in a relaxing manner.
The last time I heard Bob play was at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Thursday June 11 but I can’t remember the year, on a concert conducted by Shaw with Wilber playing the Artie Shaw Concerto for clarinet. I do know that Tommy Whittle was part of the Bob Wilber All Stars in the second part of that show.
Chuck Hedges Chicago Swingtet
Wednesday 11th August, 7.30pm, Knockomie House Hotel, Forres
The first drop of rain started to fall when the special bus arrived to take us from the Newton to the Knockomie for this session. When the score and ten of us busload arrived at the hall it was packed full. I got myself fixed up with a Guinness, an armchair and a listening position rather than a viewing one so savouring to the ear the best of Chicago jazz.
Leader Chuck Hedges was on clarinet, Duane Thamm on vibes, David Sullivan guitar, Stewart Millar bass, Charlie Braugham on the Alex Ross drums with Charlie using his own cymbals.
Tunes like Do You Know... featuring the guitar, I Got A Song Go Out Of My Heart, having a nice vibes sound. Got Rhythm and a special swing movement with nice clarinet technique on Shake Rattle and Roll all went down well towards the makings of a very good evening of great Chicago jazz.
The second set of I Thought About You, A Little Love Nest, She’s Funny That Way on encore, with the scene of the harbour full of boats finally make it another fine night to remember.
Johnny Frigo with John Sheridan Trio
Thursday 12th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
The salmon waiting in a pool at the mouth of the river Nairn
were today after the rain able to swim up to the source of it to spawn.
Violinist Johnny Frigo played his session in "Off The Cuff" fashion starting with a medley of Cole Porter tunes.
His artistic humour was infectious, as one could not help taking in a tremendous feeling of admiration for him,
by his skilful handling of his beloved instrument - the violin.
Johnny announced that he was 87 years old, was able to play all of the requests put to him and by the end of his concert
I could not help wishing that I’d been able to attend his Sunday 8 August afternoon one.
His rendition of Memories Of You sitting on the edge of the stage for his finally will always be in my mind.
Plas Johnson with Mike Carr Quartet
Thursday 12th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
In nearly every jazz festival staged, there are some needed changes that arise to be made, that’s
the trials and tribulations of being a jazz promoter.
Tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson heard on the Ella Fitzgerald Song Book was unable to attend, and, as I was leaving Nairn
on the early train next morning, I stayed only to catch the first number of Mike on his Hammond Organ.
There must have been many a "thank you" given to jazz promoter, Ken Ramage and it is here that I add mine.
His promotions booklet is full of invaluable information, and in looking at it again I hope that the
trombonist Russ Phillips and trumpeter Bobby Lewis from Chicago concert on that missed Friday went down well.
I was unable to take in the Brodie Castle and Findhorn concerts, but like many, I was able to enjoy
the foyer display of Michael Jackson Chicago jazz scene photographs.
There was a thick mist when I left Nairn for home early that morning
*****
Comhairle Na Gaidhealtachd
jazz festival review to
The Highland Council et al
By
Ian King
Kings Jazz Review
Saturday the 28th of August 2004
KJR Home Page
As it was a lovely sunny day I hitched up my luggage around me and set off for the 20 minutes walk to the Newton Hotel where I’d booked in for a six nights stay 'til the following Friday.
The picture to the left is of the winding, heavy, overhead, tree shadings gateway road to the hotel, which brought back recurring memories, presenting a cooling end piece to my walk to the hotel : photo of it (the Newton flying the flag of Saint Andrew) to the right of this script.
As I had not booked to attend any of the jazz concerts on Saturday the 7th of August, the day of my arrival, after an early 6pm dinner, I put on my walking boots, taking the camera with me, I set out for the beach taking pictures of the Highland cattle in the field facing the hotel on the way.
It’s a known fact that Nairn is famous for its big, round orange-red sunsets, so I hoped that that night would be the night for such a happening to happen. The tide was out on my arrival in the gloaming around nine o’clock, and there were lots of seagulls crying contentedly, busying themselves on the rocks and sands as daylight was fast falling.
I walked, which seemed miles alone the coastline where the Nairn Golf Club links face the sea, and, as you can see by the three photographs below, the going down of the sun is indeed a wonderful sight even if it does not look something like a clear red ball of fire, but by throwing an unfathomable, glowing reflection of itself over the calm sea of the Firth.
SUNSET
ON MORAY
FIRTH
An area of the North Sea between Highland and Grampian Regions (Scenes from Nairn to Cromarty) east Scotland.
The trees on the left with perhaps Wych Elms, Norway Spruce, Larch, Italian Poplars, other that the once vast Culbin Forest to the East of Nairn of Scots Pine or Fir, show just how much the Newton team today are indebted to their earlier tree planters.
I was having a coffee in the Golf View Hotel, one of the Newton Hotel group before the 1pm jazz concert was due to start when someone in his or her dingy had to be pulled to safety by the Air Sea Rescue from Lossiemouth. Although the photo to the right has not captured the action of the yellow helicopter in flight, the setting was once the scene of Nairn jazz festival’s early days.
Duke Heitger’s New Orleans All Stars
Sunday 8th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
In Ken’s excellent, well-sponsored promotions booklet, he refers to Duke as being "widely regarded as heir to Louis Armstrong".
On clarinet in the group of "leading exponents of classic New Orleans jazz" was Evan Christopher, on trombone was Bob Havens, the pianist was Steve Pistorius and Lars Edegran was on banjo and guitar with Andy Cleyndert as guest on string bass.
I did not get the names of the saxophonist or drummer, nor did I recall there being any changes made to the eight in the line-up.
I was looking forward to this session and was not disappointed by it, neither, by the extent of their applause were the other members of a full house audience.
Between tunes Heitger was humourous, which his audience appreciated.
The opening number to the All Stars' two sets programme was Sunday conducive to it being the jazz session of Sunday the 8th of August 2004, it being their first appearance "over here", followed by I’ve Got A Feeling, I Want To Be Happy all great songs, marvellously performed, with the Wabash and Basin Street Blues nearing closing time close to many a traditional jazz fans heart.
Can Duke match Louis on playing the trumpet? Well, like several trumpeters living here, I shan’t argue against that question, but is Duke Heitger and the others as creative or inventive as was Louis Armstrong, then the answer to that is not proven, nor can it ever be so in today’s setting and future periods that will unlikely ever to match the past.
I declined without official comment to take further photos of the bands, simply because as I felt that the flash camera was unfair to such an appreciative audience.
Duke's All Stars play the calliope Natchez River Boat on the Mississippi, and when invited to look them up, a lady at the concert said that she would aim to do so during her forthcoming visit to New Orleans.
Monty Alexander Trio
Sunday 8th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel
Monty Alexander is unquestionably a master of the piano, and I’ll with imagination go along with promoters’ view on his performance that, "there are few pianists alive who can match Alexander on his day for powerful swinging jazz" but although captivating, his overpowering connections with the keys was not my scene, yet nevertheless, his jazz programme was intriguing and catching to listen to.
Four Hands - Two Pianos :Rossano Sportelli and John Sheridan
Monday 9th August 2.30pm, Newton Hotel
The stage was set with two Grand Pianos on display. Soon the piano chairs were taken by one, an American, and two, an Italian, whom both were making their Nairn debuts.
Works of artistic merit and ideas for such are not more than often conceived by the artists themselves but by promoters. As a result, such as it was we were witnessing scenes of unimaginable theatrical skills by two very articulate jazz pianists in duet with one another.
It was a polished performance, each one in time taking the lead conductor roll in their own artistic and personality fashion. It revealed their playing skills in a new and unique light, and their enjoyment in what they were doing created a special empathy with the dedicated jazz concertgoers in concert.
A certain must for a return. If having been recorded it has to be cherished, for it was a thrilling performance, which they themselves sought to put forward.
Kenny Davern Quartet
Monday 9th August, 8pm, Little Theatre, Nairn
The photo on the left leads from a roundabout on the main A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road through Forres, over the river Nairn bridge, by passing the centre of the town, shown on the right of the gateway to Newton picture taken on the Sunday when traffic was light and normally running tail to tail throughout the weekdays.
This photo is the gateway to Fishertown, King and Grant Streets where stands the Little Theatre and where the road moves on towards the harbour. On the entrance right, is the Harbour Street Post Office run by Alan Barron who has published a booklet of photographs entitled Old Nairn.
This was not the first time that I had attended a Kenny Davern concert.
His emergence as an important soloist was consolidated when he formed Soprano Summit with clarinettist Bob Wilber in which he was able to develop his uninhibited style on soprano, later specializing on clarinet when I was then able to enjoy his eloquent interpretations of classic jazz on that instrument. His Nairn concert in the Little Theatre for me saw him in a different light. His skills and humourous demeanour as conductor of a trio comprising of James Chirillo, a youngish, vibrant, near pop, guitarist and the skillfully, dexterous Rodney Whitaker from America bassist, well supported by the long outstanding drummer Tony de Nicola, saw Davern masterfully in command of this new to me - new skills role.
I was later as follows to learn that the bassist was a member of the Herlin Riley group, Riley being a member of the Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, and the Little Theatre crowd loved Kenny being in control of such a situation.
Herlin Riley Swing Quartet
Tuesday 10th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
This was the first appearance of the Swing Quartet in the UK.
The opening photograph to this review, taken at the interval after the Herlin Riley Quartet first set, shows the Grand Piano, which held place for pianist Doug Bickel, the bass, belonging to Rodney Whitaker, Professor of Jazz Bass at the Michican State University, the drumset of, or perhaps one set out for leader Herlin Riley from New Orleans, and lastly, the shinning silver tenor of Tim Green of the four, which can be seen with keen eyes tucked in on the stage behind the drums.
This was a wonderfully, breathtaking, exciting programme, featuring the bassist whose wonderful sounding instrument enhanced by the technique of its owner and complex playing, and a very adept drummer working with expert correctness and facility both worthy of special mention, which I believe the other two jazz artists will have no qualms in me so saying, for to find anyone more skilled at their metier than they in the UK - would doubtful be possible.
At a classical music concert the ticket holders are indoctrinated not to applaud until the end of the score. The jazz fan applauds and chatters when the will and heart takes it. The Nairn audiences were the non-chattering, applauding, tentative types, apart from the Second Line and perhaps Cherokee this concert going assembly including myself were out of sorts on end piece timings on some numbers, with a seemingly kindly smile coming on the face of the leader, reading - well they know not when, nor when not to applaud having heard us for the first time in their lives - but how great it is to hear.
A cheerleader next time - Herlin, whatever: it was a great presentable, enjoyable performance not to be missed.
Alex Ross Special Band
featuring Tommy Whittle, John Sheridan, Bobby Gordon
Tuesday 10th August, 9.45pm, Invernairne Hotel, Nairn
The photo on the left is of the beautiful and historic Invernairne Guest House situated in a lovely setting in Nairn having its own direct pathway down to the Moray Firth sea.
I quote the following from Ken’s promotions booklet: "Nairn’s own drummer (Alex Ross) of international class was first choice for top class groups throughout the UK in the 60s and 70s and still drives and swings a band with great enthusiasm and skill. He is with a multinational all-star line-up featuring a welcome visit to Nairn by a man who has dominated the tenor scene in London for fifty years - Tommy Whittle."
Tommy’s skills on the tenor here at the Invernairne had not diminished since years back when I first heard him playing at one of the open-air jazz festivals, staged on the scenic pastures of Leeds Castle, Kent, England.
The mellow Bobby Gordon clarinet from San Diego, America with a lovely tone to it was a perfect foil for the commanding Whittle leader's tenor.
It was after midnight when I found myself walking back to the Newton Hotel sharing praise along the way with the quiet night sky, reminiscing to it, of the John Smith string bass harmonising with a most wonderful cymbal sound coming from "Nairn’s own International class drummer" tempered on listening to the song The Nearness of You being sung by vocalist, Sue Cruse with her voice of passion so much adorable, and the guiding curvature empathy in accompaniment to her in song by the pianist from San Antonio, USA, John Sheridan, an artist that we had all come to look forward to listening to his skills on piano, was for me, the highlight of the evening deemed for special expression to the stars in that night sky.
Nairn is well blessed with female singers and at the following website
Les's Jazz CD Review : Les Cameron
you’ll find a KJR CD review with three more lady singers in it.
Yearnings - Bob Wilber and Bobby Gordon
Wednesday 11th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
The photo on the right is of a Sunbeam Talbot, said to be the only one of its kind in Britain, standing outside the owners shop "Occasions" with the Bank of Scotland, Nairn in the background, and which today many could be yearning to possess.
Picture taken on the quiet Sunday morning,
John Sheridan accompanied the two very fine reeds players on piano, Andrew Cleyndert was on string bass and to conclude the line-up was drummer Tony de Nicola.
Bob lead on saxello, and the professional manner in which he conducted the group raised the session to good effect, covering many of the songs on his CD entitled Yearnings.
Bobby sang on Sweet Lorraine.
It was a popular two sets session. The Bossa Nova, You’re Driving Me Crazy, Beale Street, A Pretty Girl, All By Myself, all went down extremely well in a relaxing manner.
The last time I heard Bob play was at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Thursday June 11 but I can’t remember the year, on a concert conducted by Shaw with Wilber playing the Artie Shaw Concerto for clarinet. I do know that Tommy Whittle was part of the Bob Wilber All Stars in the second part of that show.
Chuck Hedges Chicago Swingtet
Wednesday 11th August, 7.30pm, Knockomie House Hotel, Forres
The first drop of rain started to fall when the special bus arrived to take us from the Newton to the Knockomie for this session. When the score and ten of us busload arrived at the hall it was packed full. I got myself fixed up with a Guinness, an armchair and a listening position rather than a viewing one so savouring to the ear the best of Chicago jazz.
Leader Chuck Hedges was on clarinet, Duane Thamm on vibes, David Sullivan guitar, Stewart Millar bass, Charlie Braugham on the Alex Ross drums with Charlie using his own cymbals.
Tunes like Do You Know... featuring the guitar, I Got A Song Go Out Of My Heart, having a nice vibes sound. Got Rhythm and a special swing movement with nice clarinet technique on Shake Rattle and Roll all went down well towards the makings of a very good evening of great Chicago jazz.
The second set of I Thought About You, A Little Love Nest, She’s Funny That Way on encore, with the scene of the harbour full of boats finally make it another fine night to remember.
Johnny Frigo with John Sheridan Trio
Thursday 12th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
The salmon waiting in a pool at the mouth of the river Nairn
were today after the rain able to swim up to the source of it to spawn.
Violinist Johnny Frigo played his session in "Off The Cuff" fashion starting with a medley of Cole Porter tunes.
His artistic humour was infectious, as one could not help taking in a tremendous feeling of admiration for him,
by his skilful handling of his beloved instrument - the violin.
Johnny announced that he was 87 years old, was able to play all of the requests put to him and by the end of his concert
I could not help wishing that I’d been able to attend his Sunday 8 August afternoon one.
His rendition of Memories Of You sitting on the edge of the stage for his finally will always be in my mind.
Plas Johnson with Mike Carr Quartet
Thursday 12th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
In nearly every jazz festival staged, there are some needed changes that arise to be made, that’s
the trials and tribulations of being a jazz promoter.
Tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson heard on the Ella Fitzgerald Song Book was unable to attend, and, as I was leaving Nairn
on the early train next morning, I stayed only to catch the first number of Mike on his Hammond Organ.
There must have been many a "thank you" given to jazz promoter, Ken Ramage and it is here that I add mine.
His promotions booklet is full of invaluable information, and in looking at it again I hope that the
trombonist Russ Phillips and trumpeter Bobby Lewis from Chicago concert on that missed Friday went down well.
I was unable to take in the Brodie Castle and Findhorn concerts, but like many, I was able to enjoy
the foyer display of Michael Jackson Chicago jazz scene photographs.
There was a thick mist when I left Nairn for home early that morning
*****
Comhairle Na Gaidhealtachd
jazz festival review to
The Highland Council et al
By
Ian King
Kings Jazz Review
Saturday the 28th of August 2004
KJR Home Page
It’s a known fact that Nairn is famous for its big, round orange-red sunsets, so I hoped that that night would be the night for such a happening to happen. The tide was out on my arrival in the gloaming around nine o’clock, and there were lots of seagulls crying contentedly, busying themselves on the rocks and sands as daylight was fast falling.
I walked, which seemed miles alone the coastline where the Nairn Golf Club links face the sea, and, as you can see by the three photographs below, the going down of the sun is indeed a wonderful sight even if it does not look something like a clear red ball of fire, but by throwing an unfathomable, glowing reflection of itself over the calm sea of the Firth.
SUNSET
ON MORAY
FIRTH
An area of the North Sea between Highland and Grampian Regions (Scenes from Nairn to Cromarty) east Scotland.
The trees on the left with perhaps Wych Elms, Norway Spruce, Larch, Italian Poplars, other that the once vast Culbin Forest to the East of Nairn of Scots Pine or Fir, show just how much the Newton team today are indebted to their earlier tree planters.
I was having a coffee in the Golf View Hotel, one of the Newton Hotel group before the 1pm jazz concert was due to start when someone in his or her dingy had to be pulled to safety by the Air Sea Rescue from Lossiemouth. Although the photo to the right has not captured the action of the yellow helicopter in flight, the setting was once the scene of Nairn jazz festival’s early days.
Duke Heitger’s New Orleans All Stars
Sunday 8th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
In Ken’s excellent, well-sponsored promotions booklet, he refers to Duke as being "widely regarded as heir to Louis Armstrong".
On clarinet in the group of "leading exponents of classic New Orleans jazz" was Evan Christopher, on trombone was Bob Havens, the pianist was Steve Pistorius and Lars Edegran was on banjo and guitar with Andy Cleyndert as guest on string bass.
I did not get the names of the saxophonist or drummer, nor did I recall there being any changes made to the eight in the line-up.
I was looking forward to this session and was not disappointed by it, neither, by the extent of their applause were the other members of a full house audience.
Between tunes Heitger was humourous, which his audience appreciated.
The opening number to the All Stars' two sets programme was Sunday conducive to it being the jazz session of Sunday the 8th of August 2004, it being their first appearance "over here", followed by I’ve Got A Feeling, I Want To Be Happy all great songs, marvellously performed, with the Wabash and Basin Street Blues nearing closing time close to many a traditional jazz fans heart.
Can Duke match Louis on playing the trumpet? Well, like several trumpeters living here, I shan’t argue against that question, but is Duke Heitger and the others as creative or inventive as was Louis Armstrong, then the answer to that is not proven, nor can it ever be so in today’s setting and future periods that will unlikely ever to match the past.
I declined without official comment to take further photos of the bands, simply because as I felt that the flash camera was unfair to such an appreciative audience.
Duke's All Stars play the calliope Natchez River Boat on the Mississippi, and when invited to look them up, a lady at the concert said that she would aim to do so during her forthcoming visit to New Orleans.
Monty Alexander Trio
Sunday 8th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel
Monty Alexander is unquestionably a master of the piano, and I’ll with imagination go along with promoters’ view on his performance that, "there are few pianists alive who can match Alexander on his day for powerful swinging jazz" but although captivating, his overpowering connections with the keys was not my scene, yet nevertheless, his jazz programme was intriguing and catching to listen to.
Four Hands - Two Pianos :Rossano Sportelli and John Sheridan
Monday 9th August 2.30pm, Newton Hotel
The stage was set with two Grand Pianos on display. Soon the piano chairs were taken by one, an American, and two, an Italian, whom both were making their Nairn debuts.
Works of artistic merit and ideas for such are not more than often conceived by the artists themselves but by promoters. As a result, such as it was we were witnessing scenes of unimaginable theatrical skills by two very articulate jazz pianists in duet with one another.
It was a polished performance, each one in time taking the lead conductor roll in their own artistic and personality fashion. It revealed their playing skills in a new and unique light, and their enjoyment in what they were doing created a special empathy with the dedicated jazz concertgoers in concert.
A certain must for a return. If having been recorded it has to be cherished, for it was a thrilling performance, which they themselves sought to put forward.
Kenny Davern Quartet
Monday 9th August, 8pm, Little Theatre, Nairn
The photo on the left leads from a roundabout on the main A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road through Forres, over the river Nairn bridge, by passing the centre of the town, shown on the right of the gateway to Newton picture taken on the Sunday when traffic was light and normally running tail to tail throughout the weekdays.
This photo is the gateway to Fishertown, King and Grant Streets where stands the Little Theatre and where the road moves on towards the harbour. On the entrance right, is the Harbour Street Post Office run by Alan Barron who has published a booklet of photographs entitled Old Nairn.
This was not the first time that I had attended a Kenny Davern concert.
His emergence as an important soloist was consolidated when he formed Soprano Summit with clarinettist Bob Wilber in which he was able to develop his uninhibited style on soprano, later specializing on clarinet when I was then able to enjoy his eloquent interpretations of classic jazz on that instrument. His Nairn concert in the Little Theatre for me saw him in a different light. His skills and humourous demeanour as conductor of a trio comprising of James Chirillo, a youngish, vibrant, near pop, guitarist and the skillfully, dexterous Rodney Whitaker from America bassist, well supported by the long outstanding drummer Tony de Nicola, saw Davern masterfully in command of this new to me - new skills role.
I was later as follows to learn that the bassist was a member of the Herlin Riley group, Riley being a member of the Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, and the Little Theatre crowd loved Kenny being in control of such a situation.
Herlin Riley Swing Quartet
Tuesday 10th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
This was the first appearance of the Swing Quartet in the UK.
The opening photograph to this review, taken at the interval after the Herlin Riley Quartet first set, shows the Grand Piano, which held place for pianist Doug Bickel, the bass, belonging to Rodney Whitaker, Professor of Jazz Bass at the Michican State University, the drumset of, or perhaps one set out for leader Herlin Riley from New Orleans, and lastly, the shinning silver tenor of Tim Green of the four, which can be seen with keen eyes tucked in on the stage behind the drums.
This was a wonderfully, breathtaking, exciting programme, featuring the bassist whose wonderful sounding instrument enhanced by the technique of its owner and complex playing, and a very adept drummer working with expert correctness and facility both worthy of special mention, which I believe the other two jazz artists will have no qualms in me so saying, for to find anyone more skilled at their metier than they in the UK - would doubtful be possible.
At a classical music concert the ticket holders are indoctrinated not to applaud until the end of the score. The jazz fan applauds and chatters when the will and heart takes it. The Nairn audiences were the non-chattering, applauding, tentative types, apart from the Second Line and perhaps Cherokee this concert going assembly including myself were out of sorts on end piece timings on some numbers, with a seemingly kindly smile coming on the face of the leader, reading - well they know not when, nor when not to applaud having heard us for the first time in their lives - but how great it is to hear.
A cheerleader next time - Herlin, whatever: it was a great presentable, enjoyable performance not to be missed.
Alex Ross Special Band
featuring Tommy Whittle, John Sheridan, Bobby Gordon
Tuesday 10th August, 9.45pm, Invernairne Hotel, Nairn
The photo on the left is of the beautiful and historic Invernairne Guest House situated in a lovely setting in Nairn having its own direct pathway down to the Moray Firth sea.
I quote the following from Ken’s promotions booklet: "Nairn’s own drummer (Alex Ross) of international class was first choice for top class groups throughout the UK in the 60s and 70s and still drives and swings a band with great enthusiasm and skill. He is with a multinational all-star line-up featuring a welcome visit to Nairn by a man who has dominated the tenor scene in London for fifty years - Tommy Whittle."
Tommy’s skills on the tenor here at the Invernairne had not diminished since years back when I first heard him playing at one of the open-air jazz festivals, staged on the scenic pastures of Leeds Castle, Kent, England.
The mellow Bobby Gordon clarinet from San Diego, America with a lovely tone to it was a perfect foil for the commanding Whittle leader's tenor.
It was after midnight when I found myself walking back to the Newton Hotel sharing praise along the way with the quiet night sky, reminiscing to it, of the John Smith string bass harmonising with a most wonderful cymbal sound coming from "Nairn’s own International class drummer" tempered on listening to the song The Nearness of You being sung by vocalist, Sue Cruse with her voice of passion so much adorable, and the guiding curvature empathy in accompaniment to her in song by the pianist from San Antonio, USA, John Sheridan, an artist that we had all come to look forward to listening to his skills on piano, was for me, the highlight of the evening deemed for special expression to the stars in that night sky.
Nairn is well blessed with female singers and at the following website
Les's Jazz CD Review : Les Cameron
you’ll find a KJR CD review with three more lady singers in it.
Yearnings - Bob Wilber and Bobby Gordon
Wednesday 11th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
The photo on the right is of a Sunbeam Talbot, said to be the only one of its kind in Britain, standing outside the owners shop "Occasions" with the Bank of Scotland, Nairn in the background, and which today many could be yearning to possess.
Picture taken on the quiet Sunday morning,
John Sheridan accompanied the two very fine reeds players on piano, Andrew Cleyndert was on string bass and to conclude the line-up was drummer Tony de Nicola.
Bob lead on saxello, and the professional manner in which he conducted the group raised the session to good effect, covering many of the songs on his CD entitled Yearnings.
Bobby sang on Sweet Lorraine.
It was a popular two sets session. The Bossa Nova, You’re Driving Me Crazy, Beale Street, A Pretty Girl, All By Myself, all went down extremely well in a relaxing manner.
The last time I heard Bob play was at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Thursday June 11 but I can’t remember the year, on a concert conducted by Shaw with Wilber playing the Artie Shaw Concerto for clarinet. I do know that Tommy Whittle was part of the Bob Wilber All Stars in the second part of that show.
Chuck Hedges Chicago Swingtet
Wednesday 11th August, 7.30pm, Knockomie House Hotel, Forres
The first drop of rain started to fall when the special bus arrived to take us from the Newton to the Knockomie for this session. When the score and ten of us busload arrived at the hall it was packed full. I got myself fixed up with a Guinness, an armchair and a listening position rather than a viewing one so savouring to the ear the best of Chicago jazz.
Leader Chuck Hedges was on clarinet, Duane Thamm on vibes, David Sullivan guitar, Stewart Millar bass, Charlie Braugham on the Alex Ross drums with Charlie using his own cymbals.
Tunes like Do You Know... featuring the guitar, I Got A Song Go Out Of My Heart, having a nice vibes sound. Got Rhythm and a special swing movement with nice clarinet technique on Shake Rattle and Roll all went down well towards the makings of a very good evening of great Chicago jazz.
The second set of I Thought About You, A Little Love Nest, She’s Funny That Way on encore, with the scene of the harbour full of boats finally make it another fine night to remember.
Johnny Frigo with John Sheridan Trio
Thursday 12th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
The salmon waiting in a pool at the mouth of the river Nairn
were today after the rain able to swim up to the source of it to spawn.
Violinist Johnny Frigo played his session in "Off The Cuff" fashion starting with a medley of Cole Porter tunes.
His artistic humour was infectious, as one could not help taking in a tremendous feeling of admiration for him,
by his skilful handling of his beloved instrument - the violin.
Johnny announced that he was 87 years old, was able to play all of the requests put to him and by the end of his concert
I could not help wishing that I’d been able to attend his Sunday 8 August afternoon one.
His rendition of Memories Of You sitting on the edge of the stage for his finally will always be in my mind.
Plas Johnson with Mike Carr Quartet
Thursday 12th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
In nearly every jazz festival staged, there are some needed changes that arise to be made, that’s
the trials and tribulations of being a jazz promoter.
Tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson heard on the Ella Fitzgerald Song Book was unable to attend, and, as I was leaving Nairn
on the early train next morning, I stayed only to catch the first number of Mike on his Hammond Organ.
There must have been many a "thank you" given to jazz promoter, Ken Ramage and it is here that I add mine.
His promotions booklet is full of invaluable information, and in looking at it again I hope that the
trombonist Russ Phillips and trumpeter Bobby Lewis from Chicago concert on that missed Friday went down well.
I was unable to take in the Brodie Castle and Findhorn concerts, but like many, I was able to enjoy
the foyer display of Michael Jackson Chicago jazz scene photographs.
There was a thick mist when I left Nairn for home early that morning
*****
Comhairle Na Gaidhealtachd
jazz festival review to
The Highland Council et al
By
Ian King
Kings Jazz Review
Saturday the 28th of August 2004
KJR Home Page
I was having a coffee in the Golf View Hotel, one of the Newton Hotel group before the 1pm jazz concert was due to start when someone in his or her dingy had to be pulled to safety by the Air Sea Rescue from Lossiemouth. Although the photo to the right has not captured the action of the yellow helicopter in flight, the setting was once the scene of Nairn jazz festival’s early days.
Duke Heitger’s New Orleans All Stars
Sunday 8th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
In Ken’s excellent, well-sponsored promotions booklet, he refers to Duke as being "widely regarded as heir to Louis Armstrong".
On clarinet in the group of "leading exponents of classic New Orleans jazz" was Evan Christopher, on trombone was Bob Havens, the pianist was Steve Pistorius and Lars Edegran was on banjo and guitar with Andy Cleyndert as guest on string bass.
I did not get the names of the saxophonist or drummer, nor did I recall there being any changes made to the eight in the line-up.
I was looking forward to this session and was not disappointed by it, neither, by the extent of their applause were the other members of a full house audience.
Between tunes Heitger was humourous, which his audience appreciated.
The opening number to the All Stars' two sets programme was Sunday conducive to it being the jazz session of Sunday the 8th of August 2004, it being their first appearance "over here", followed by I’ve Got A Feeling, I Want To Be Happy all great songs, marvellously performed, with the Wabash and Basin Street Blues nearing closing time close to many a traditional jazz fans heart.
Can Duke match Louis on playing the trumpet? Well, like several trumpeters living here, I shan’t argue against that question, but is Duke Heitger and the others as creative or inventive as was Louis Armstrong, then the answer to that is not proven, nor can it ever be so in today’s setting and future periods that will unlikely ever to match the past.
I declined without official comment to take further photos of the bands, simply because as I felt that the flash camera was unfair to such an appreciative audience.
Duke's All Stars play the calliope Natchez River Boat on the Mississippi, and when invited to look them up, a lady at the concert said that she would aim to do so during her forthcoming visit to New Orleans.
Monty Alexander Trio
Sunday 8th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel
Sunday 8th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel
Monty Alexander is unquestionably a master of the piano, and I’ll with imagination go along with promoters’ view on his performance that, "there are few pianists alive who can match Alexander on his day for powerful swinging jazz" but although captivating, his overpowering connections with the keys was not my scene, yet nevertheless, his jazz programme was intriguing and catching to listen to.
Four Hands - Two Pianos :Rossano Sportelli and John Sheridan
Monday 9th August 2.30pm, Newton Hotel
The stage was set with two Grand Pianos on display. Soon the piano chairs were taken by one, an American, and two, an Italian, whom both were making their Nairn debuts.
Works of artistic merit and ideas for such are not more than often conceived by the artists themselves but by promoters. As a result, such as it was we were witnessing scenes of unimaginable theatrical skills by two very articulate jazz pianists in duet with one another.
It was a polished performance, each one in time taking the lead conductor roll in their own artistic and personality fashion. It revealed their playing skills in a new and unique light, and their enjoyment in what they were doing created a special empathy with the dedicated jazz concertgoers in concert.
A certain must for a return. If having been recorded it has to be cherished, for it was a thrilling performance, which they themselves sought to put forward.
Kenny Davern Quartet
Monday 9th August, 8pm, Little Theatre, Nairn
The photo on the left leads from a roundabout on the main A96 Inverness to Aberdeen road through Forres, over the river Nairn bridge, by passing the centre of the town, shown on the right of the gateway to Newton picture taken on the Sunday when traffic was light and normally running tail to tail throughout the weekdays.
This photo is the gateway to Fishertown, King and Grant Streets where stands the Little Theatre and where the road moves on towards the harbour. On the entrance right, is the Harbour Street Post Office run by Alan Barron who has published a booklet of photographs entitled Old Nairn.
This was not the first time that I had attended a Kenny Davern concert.
His emergence as an important soloist was consolidated when he formed Soprano Summit with clarinettist Bob Wilber in which he was able to develop his uninhibited style on soprano, later specializing on clarinet when I was then able to enjoy his eloquent interpretations of classic jazz on that instrument. His Nairn concert in the Little Theatre for me saw him in a different light. His skills and humourous demeanour as conductor of a trio comprising of James Chirillo, a youngish, vibrant, near pop, guitarist and the skillfully, dexterous Rodney Whitaker from America bassist, well supported by the long outstanding drummer Tony de Nicola, saw Davern masterfully in command of this new to me - new skills role.
I was later as follows to learn that the bassist was a member of the Herlin Riley group, Riley being a member of the Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, and the Little Theatre crowd loved Kenny being in control of such a situation.
Herlin Riley Swing Quartet
Tuesday 10th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
Tuesday 10th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
This was the first appearance of the Swing Quartet in the UK.
The opening photograph to this review, taken at the interval after the Herlin Riley Quartet first set, shows the Grand Piano, which held place for pianist Doug Bickel, the bass, belonging to Rodney Whitaker, Professor of Jazz Bass at the Michican State University, the drumset of, or perhaps one set out for leader Herlin Riley from New Orleans, and lastly, the shinning silver tenor of Tim Green of the four, which can be seen with keen eyes tucked in on the stage behind the drums.
This was a wonderfully, breathtaking, exciting programme, featuring the bassist whose wonderful sounding instrument enhanced by the technique of its owner and complex playing, and a very adept drummer working with expert correctness and facility both worthy of special mention, which I believe the other two jazz artists will have no qualms in me so saying, for to find anyone more skilled at their metier than they in the UK - would doubtful be possible.
At a classical music concert the ticket holders are indoctrinated not to applaud until the end of the score. The jazz fan applauds and chatters when the will and heart takes it. The Nairn audiences were the non-chattering, applauding, tentative types, apart from the Second Line and perhaps Cherokee this concert going assembly including myself were out of sorts on end piece timings on some numbers, with a seemingly kindly smile coming on the face of the leader, reading - well they know not when, nor when not to applaud having heard us for the first time in their lives - but how great it is to hear.
A cheerleader next time - Herlin, whatever: it was a great presentable, enjoyable performance not to be missed.
Alex Ross Special Band
featuring Tommy Whittle, John Sheridan, Bobby Gordon
Tuesday 10th August, 9.45pm, Invernairne Hotel, Nairn
featuring Tommy Whittle, John Sheridan, Bobby Gordon
Tuesday 10th August, 9.45pm, Invernairne Hotel, Nairn
The photo on the left is of the beautiful and historic Invernairne Guest House situated in a lovely setting in Nairn having its own direct pathway down to the Moray Firth sea.
I quote the following from Ken’s promotions booklet: "Nairn’s own drummer (Alex Ross) of international class was first choice for top class groups throughout the UK in the 60s and 70s and still drives and swings a band with great enthusiasm and skill. He is with a multinational all-star line-up featuring a welcome visit to Nairn by a man who has dominated the tenor scene in London for fifty years - Tommy Whittle."
Tommy’s skills on the tenor here at the Invernairne had not diminished since years back when I first heard him playing at one of the open-air jazz festivals, staged on the scenic pastures of Leeds Castle, Kent, England.
The mellow Bobby Gordon clarinet from San Diego, America with a lovely tone to it was a perfect foil for the commanding Whittle leader's tenor.
It was after midnight when I found myself walking back to the Newton Hotel sharing praise along the way with the quiet night sky, reminiscing to it, of the John Smith string bass harmonising with a most wonderful cymbal sound coming from "Nairn’s own International class drummer" tempered on listening to the song The Nearness of You being sung by vocalist, Sue Cruse with her voice of passion so much adorable, and the guiding curvature empathy in accompaniment to her in song by the pianist from San Antonio, USA, John Sheridan, an artist that we had all come to look forward to listening to his skills on piano, was for me, the highlight of the evening deemed for special expression to the stars in that night sky.
Nairn is well blessed with female singers and at the following website
Les's Jazz CD Review : Les Cameron
you’ll find a KJR CD review with three more lady singers in it.
Yearnings - Bob Wilber and Bobby Gordon
Wednesday 11th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
Wednesday 11th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel
The photo on the right is of a Sunbeam Talbot, said to be the only one of its kind in Britain, standing outside the owners shop "Occasions" with the Bank of Scotland, Nairn in the background, and which today many could be yearning to possess.
Picture taken on the quiet Sunday morning,
John Sheridan accompanied the two very fine reeds players on piano, Andrew Cleyndert was on string bass and to conclude the line-up was drummer Tony de Nicola.
Bob lead on saxello, and the professional manner in which he conducted the group raised the session to good effect, covering many of the songs on his CD entitled Yearnings.
Bobby sang on Sweet Lorraine.
It was a popular two sets session. The Bossa Nova, You’re Driving Me Crazy, Beale Street, A Pretty Girl, All By Myself, all went down extremely well in a relaxing manner.
The last time I heard Bob play was at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Thursday June 11 but I can’t remember the year, on a concert conducted by Shaw with Wilber playing the Artie Shaw Concerto for clarinet. I do know that Tommy Whittle was part of the Bob Wilber All Stars in the second part of that show.
Chuck Hedges Chicago Swingtet
Wednesday 11th August, 7.30pm, Knockomie House Hotel, Forres
Wednesday 11th August, 7.30pm, Knockomie House Hotel, Forres
The first drop of rain started to fall when the special bus arrived to take us from the Newton to the Knockomie for this session. When the score and ten of us busload arrived at the hall it was packed full. I got myself fixed up with a Guinness, an armchair and a listening position rather than a viewing one so savouring to the ear the best of Chicago jazz.
Leader Chuck Hedges was on clarinet, Duane Thamm on vibes, David Sullivan guitar, Stewart Millar bass, Charlie Braugham on the Alex Ross drums with Charlie using his own cymbals.
Tunes like Do You Know... featuring the guitar, I Got A Song Go Out Of My Heart, having a nice vibes sound. Got Rhythm and a special swing movement with nice clarinet technique on Shake Rattle and Roll all went down well towards the makings of a very good evening of great Chicago jazz.
The second set of I Thought About You, A Little Love Nest, She’s Funny That Way on encore, with the scene of the harbour full of boats finally make it another fine night to remember.
Johnny Frigo with John Sheridan Trio
Thursday 12th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
Thursday 12th August, 1pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
The salmon waiting in a pool at the mouth of the river Nairn
were today after the rain able to swim up to the source of it to spawn.
Violinist Johnny Frigo played his session in "Off The Cuff" fashion starting with a medley of Cole Porter tunes.
His artistic humour was infectious, as one could not help taking in a tremendous feeling of admiration for him,
by his skilful handling of his beloved instrument - the violin.
Johnny announced that he was 87 years old, was able to play all of the requests put to him and by the end of his concert
I could not help wishing that I’d been able to attend his Sunday 8 August afternoon one.
His rendition of Memories Of You sitting on the edge of the stage for his finally will always be in my mind.
Plas Johnson with Mike Carr Quartet
Thursday 12th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
Thursday 12th August, 8pm, Newton Hotel, Nairn
In nearly every jazz festival staged, there are some needed changes that arise to be made, that’s
the trials and tribulations of being a jazz promoter.
Tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson heard on the Ella Fitzgerald Song Book was unable to attend, and, as I was leaving Nairn
on the early train next morning, I stayed only to catch the first number of Mike on his Hammond Organ.
There must have been many a "thank you" given to jazz promoter, Ken Ramage and it is here that I add mine.
His promotions booklet is full of invaluable information, and in looking at it again I hope that the
trombonist Russ Phillips and trumpeter Bobby Lewis from Chicago concert on that missed Friday went down well.
I was unable to take in the Brodie Castle and Findhorn concerts, but like many, I was able to enjoy
the foyer display of Michael Jackson Chicago jazz scene photographs.
There was a thick mist when I left Nairn for home early that morning
*****
Comhairle Na Gaidhealtachd
jazz festival review to
The Highland Council et al
By
Ian King
Kings Jazz Review
Saturday the 28th of August 2004