The sense of anticipation was enormous for me, this being my first opportunity to listen to some Jazz under the great rafters of Lanercost Priory and I wasn't to be disappointed!
Local heroine Roz Sluman and her band 'smoothed' their way onto the stage, very effectively set across the nave of the Priory, with a couple of classics including a spirited rendition of It could happen to you. Roz's comment that this was the first time she had not had to mic up the saxophone in such a large venue was borne out by the excellent and much talked about acoustics provided by the wonderful vaulted ceiling and ancient stones of the building. After a great up-tempo Bernie's Tune Roz treated us to a soulful version of Angel Eyes which really allowed the notes to soar to the beautifully worked wooden ceiling. Joined by vocalist Pete Hoban to end the set, the first half of the concert really demonstrated that the Priory could enhance all types of music
From the first number, Pee Wee Ellis treated us to a master class with melodious notes spilling out of his sax so fast, that even he admitted to showing off, just a little! He was clearly enjoying the venue, with the rich mellow tones of his playing filling the whole of the Priory with total ease. I had deliberately sat right at the back to test the acoustics and they didn't disappoint.
Interspersed with fascinating snippets about his life as a musician, including how he approached Sonny Rollins to give him a lesson when he was just 16, Pee Wee, accompanied on the grand piano in great style by Gareth Williams, took us through an eclectic repertoire from Herbie Hancock to Willie Nelson with some of his own material thrown in for good measure, all in his very individual style - including the singing!
He generously invited Roz and her band to join him on stage, with some fabulous duets between him and Roz, which clearly lifted her playing to another level and then closed the evening with a touch of James Brown, encouraging us to join in on the vocals!
A standing ovation was richly justified and the evening was, without doubt, another triumph of fundraising by David Gosling for that now prestigious jazz venue, Lanercost Priory! It all left me thinking - 'top that David' - and I'm sure he will. I look forward to it Sally Moon - BBC Radio Cumbria - 'And all that Jazz' programme.
Video of Roz and Pee Wee blowing on Now's The Time.
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The superb photo sent to me by David Gosling is by Brampton photographer Al S. (All rights reserved.)
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