A superb evening at High Barn Great Bardfield in Essex with the Roger Odell Trio and vocalist Larraine Odell with special guest Derek Nash.
Firstly, one must comment about the venue and the incredible acoustics. This 800 year old barn is one of the finest recording spaces in the world. The oak beams and cathedral like vaulted ceiling create a unique recording environment, visually and acoustically unparalleled. The extensive theatre lighting rig ensures the barn can be atmospherically lit to suit an artist’s preference. The main barn is wired to a control room and two isolated recording rooms. Rooms can be hired independently or you can rent the entire barn & studio including chill out room.
The evening opened with the Jazznights Trio – with of course the well known Shakatak drummer Roger Odell on drums,Carl Hudson on a grand piano (no need for keyboards here) Bernie Hodgkins on double bass, vocals were provided by the resident songbird Larraine Odell.
The set started with Lets Fall In Love followed by a lovely and moving I’ll Close My Eyes from the film the Bridges Of Madison County. This was followed by Love For Sale and a great rendition of It never Entered My Mind, a show tune from the 1940 Rodgers & Hart musical Higher and Higher. This set finished with Get Out Of Town the Cole Porter Peggy Lee song.
Derek Nash was introduced as the very Jazznights special guest. Derek is a vibrant and charismatic performer on all 4 sax’s from Soprano to Baritone, and is equally at home leading the award winning Jazz ensemble Sax Appeal to Funky Heights, or swinging his way to best CD of the year 2000 with Spike Robinson or leading soloist with the Jools Holland R & B Orchestra
.
A great opener from Derek on tenor with the Hank Mobley’s Soul Station followed by a contrasting Farmer’s Trust on his soprano (which is turned up like a baby alto) by Pat Metheny which has some very romantic and touching melodies. A contrasting Gerry Mulligan’s Five Brothers on of course his baritone sax and Carl Hudson on the grand piano paying the fifth brother part as featured originally by Chet Baker. Hard Times followed by Ray Charles.
A very pretty It’s A Most Desirable Residence composed by both Pat and Derek Nash. Next was a very different Mambo Inn written in 1952 by Mario Bauza, Bobby Woodlen, and Grace Sampson which featured a very busy Roger Odell on drums with the snares off. Derek’s own composition New York Walk followed by a very interesting combination of the Doobie Brothers Little Darling as featured by Count Basie and Neil Hefti’s Cute.
Polka Dots And Moonbeams by Jimmy Van Heusen was played in B- flat as it suited the rich sound of Derek’s baritone sax. The big finish was very apt with the Duke’s The Duke Is Jumping on tenor sax.
The tunes Soul Station, Farmer’s Trust, Polka Dots And Moonbeams, Little Darlin’ and Five Brothers are all featured on Derek Nash’s new album “Snapshot”
For further details of other Jazznights go to www.jazz-nights.com
Moreopinions's Blog at Jazznights 