Thanks to a timely tip from my Stateside namesake New Jersey based jazz singer 'cousin' Maggie Worsdale, 'Jazz into Doncaster' treasurer Peter Robinson and I travelled to Wakefield to catch pianist JOHN COLIANNI'S QUARTET in action at the final gig of their fifteen date UK concert tour - and were most definitely not left disappointed!!
Winner of the first Thelonius Monk Piano Competition, the virtuoso piano man held the enthusiastic packed audience in rapturous appreciation from the opening bars of 'There will never be another you' to the evening's closer 'Stella by starlight,' – interspaced by well chosen contrasting improvisation worthy standards, including the famed be-bop anthem 'Anthropology' & Harold Arlan's 'Get Happy' (demonstrating John's Stride piano 'chops' in a breath-taking outing reflecting the influence of 'Stride piano' greats James P. Johnson / Fats Waller / and others of the genre with consummate ease). Further stunning highlights included 'Have you met Miss Jones?' / 'Satin Doll' / 'The continental' and 'Where or when' – plus a delightful solo medley of 'Begin the beguine' / 'Willow weep for me' and 'Misty', before being re-joined by accompanying top drawer Scottish musicians, guitarist Kevin Mackenzie / double bassist Jay Kilbride and drummer Chris Whitehouse - who all performed with uncanny instinctive empathy with the piano master.
A personal bonus, was the opportunity to chat briefly with John between sets and relish his reminiscences of working with legendary Jazz greats such as Lionel Hampton / Chart hit jazz singer Mel Torme/ Benny Goodman / amplified guitar pioneer Les Paul, and even jazz loving film star Woody Allen – Not forgetting my 'cousin' Maggie Worsdale, of course!! A fabulous start to Wakefield Jazz Club's new season!!
Submitted by C.J.Worsdale.
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John Colianni at WJC - photo M Porter
Jay Kilbride - bass
Kevin Mackenzie - guitar
Chris Whitehouse - drums
- photo Mike Porter
John Colianni
- Claire Martin (Vocalist)
"The atmosphere is vibrant and alive with a very hip crowd of different
ages."
- Julian Joseph (Pianist)
Claire Martin
Julian Joseph
"A
superb Founder's Day concert. Witty lyrics and music.
Thanks to all involved for another superb night at Wakefield Jazz Club.
Excellent."
- Josie and Bill Thompson (Liverpool)
"First
visit was the Christmas special on 8th December. Enjoyed the music and
was so impressed with the warm and friendly club atmosphere"
- Paul Taylor (Holmfirth)
Alan Plater
Alan Barnes
I
shall be in London at the Pizza Express this coming weekend, as a part
of Jazzwise's tenth birthday celebrations, at a gathering of Dune Records'
finest - past and present. I shall shout the virtues of your club, long
and hard into the night.
May your club have the continued success it deserves, and we look forward
to returning as soon as possible.
Best regards and many thanks."
- David Dickinson and Alison Clark (Lincolnshire)
Geoff Gascoyne by Colin Hawkins
WELL DONE to you and team and THANKS for what you do."
- Robert Gibson - Chair, JazzYorkshire
Guy Barker
Michael Brandon