What a month, so busy travelling that I've been 'blogged out'. The dust has just settled so here goes.
The Delta Sax were busy in Southend/Aberdeen and Blackheath in late October early November. The quartet performed to a typical UK jazz club audience on the spooks night of holloween. I must admit that some of the regular punters were miffed that they hadn't heard their usual fayre of 'swing' jazz, not to say they didn't enjoy it, but as is the way in the UK, their idea of a jazz label just wouldn't stick to what the DSQ presented. In Europe the Kronos quartet, Michael Nyman Band, Saxophonic performing works by 'Moondog' are totally excepted as music which sits in the area of 'classical jazz/crossover/contemporary'. The audience is enrished by the experience.....Southend on a wet Halloween in the UK......yikes!
In Aberdeen the quartet worked with a brilliant 'sextet' of local musicians putting together a group 'community' work over two three hour sessions. This formed part of the evening concert. The response was brilliant, people really moved/ touched by being involved in the' creative process'. The spirit of music weaved its magic, now then, what would they have made of this in Southend?
Blackheath Halls hosted a similar enlarged project by the quartet with the in house ' creative ensemble' Mean Time. A mix of vocalists, guitars, drums, saxophones, trumpets and clarinets again started the concert, which also marked the full debut in the DSQ for Christian Forshaw on soprano sax, he made his first performance at the QEH on Fitkin's 'Stub'. Again, a great success for all involved.
I'm just back from a brilliant trip with the Steve Martland band at what is becoming its second home, and the Teatro Manzoni, Milano. The host Gianni Gualberto and Vivianna Alloccio are great supporters and friends and again presented the band at their amazing 11am Sunday morning concerts. Bobby Mcferrin last month the SMB this! Over 700 people attended, 'Bravi' shouted, and encores given, plus a cd sale of 49!! Beat that Bond (the girls I mean!). This is a special place with very special promoters. Being involved in this profession can sometimes really be better than anything. Thank you Gianni.
Just a reminder that the SMB will be performing again in London on Sunday 8th December at the Blackheath Concert Halls. Check out the site dates for full details.
On a personal note, it was with great sadness that I heard about the death of one of the UK's finest 'fixers' engagers. As a freelance musician, these are the people who engage musicians for performing in the West End or other commercial TV dates and pop tours. Auther Dakin was of the 'old school'. His method was to cajole and encourage the musicians to work with him unlike the somewhat dictative style used by many of today. Arthur was a great friend to many, and always had a good story to tell, in times of need he would also back the musician against many an over authoritarian management. He stuck up for me when I'd put myself in a silly situation with a theatre management...... he also was the fixer for the Dame Shirley Bassey Orchestra's UK dates plus exciting trips to Egypt, Lebanon, France and Turkey (I performed baritone sax on these trips). Auther, I have learnt much about how to get the best out of musicians, thank you for introducing me to your very 'special' ways. You will be missed greatly.
posted by Chris at 9:07 PM 
