(Photo courtesy of Mark Savage).
Roberts was in Cole Porter mood - perhaps he'd heard of Daryl Sherman's July gig here - Coles to Newcastle - and decided to get in first!
Night and Day paid little respect to the melody but endowed the harmony with depths I doubt even Porter himself knew existed!
I've Got You Under My Skin began with some delicate brushwork from Marsalis that led to Roberts once more re-structuring the tune in the most delightful way;
Anything Goes featured bassist Jordan as well as the leader; This was the first of the big hitters!
Just One of Those Things finally said goodbye to Mr Porter as the trio moved on to Monk and Mysterioso; Once again Jordan was featured;
Marching in the Modern Parade had Marsalis playing New Orleans drums as they are played today and it was quite amazing the way he gradually built up the tension from very basic to fantastically complex without losing the basic context of the street parade drummer - those Marsalis boys are surely mighty talented;.
Coltrane's 3 part Crescent Suite moved things up a notch - the cocktail party was over now it was time to do some Serious (and I use the word advisedly) playing;.
An uptempo blues catapulted Roberts from being a very good pianist up into the major league of Peterson, Tatum and co;. This was the defining moment it was as if he was saying "Now it's for real - this is me";.
A great gig by three musicians who performed as an equal triumvirate........
Lance
I agree, it was very enjoyable. When he hit Bessie's Blues - wow!
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