Spirit of New Orleans with James Evans – Jazz on a Sunday

Photo: Valerie Bracken

Bill Evans
Spirit of New Orleans with James Evans – Jazz on a Sunday

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It was time for a special treat on the 11th of March when clarinet maestro James Evans travelled from London to guest with Dave Pogson’s Spirit of New Orleans.

Evans, who developed his jazz skill ten years ago with the Phil Mason band whilst still a student at Leeds University, has smoothed out the rough edges and is one of the best in the business.

Pogson gave Evans free rein whilst maintaining the cohesion of this fine band. Opening the gig with “Too Busy”, Evans’ clarinet solo in “Memphis Blues” set the standard which rarely waned.

It was Evans again on sax and vocal directing the inkspots “Climbing the Highest Mountain”, whilst Billie Holliday’s “Back in your own Backyard” provided the opportunity for drummer Bill Evans’ vocal and solos for Pogson’s trumpet and Mike Taylor’s trombone.

An excellent “Chinatown” closed the first set with Malcolm Horne’s banjo and vocal driving it along.

A nice second set mix with Dylan’s “I’ll be your Baby Tonight” with Horne in full voice, cameo front line power in “Redwing”, the dragging strains of Jelly Roll Morton’s “Sidewalk Blues” and the full treatment given to Johnny Dodds’ “East Coast Trot”, Evan’s clarinet in full flow and Pete Beaumont’s piano driving the rhythm.

The band went into the last straight with “Beale Street” and the high octane “Got my Mojo Working” with Evans doing a ‘Muddy Waters’.

“Pennsylvania 65000”, a swinging arrangement Glenn Miller style with the rhythm section of Horne, Beaumont, Bill Evans and John Muskett on double bass bringing back the memories.

“Climax Rag” featured a Bill Evans drum solo and the raucous “Caledonia” had the place rocking with the decibels rising.

It was time to go and a gig to remember closed with the apt “See you in my Dreams” – good Evans.


11 March 2012