Newport Jazz Club

Reviews

Digby Fairweather Quintet

22nd January 2017

Newport Jazz Club got off to a superb start to their 2017 season of Sunday concerts with the return of island favourite Digby Fairweather with his Quintet. Sharing front line honours were Julian Marc Stringle (clarinet and saxes) and Dominic Ashworth (guitar) whilst strong back line support was provided by Nick Millward (drums) and Al Swainger (bass).

The fifteen number set included old favourites such as "Georgia on my mind" as a homage to Nat Gonella (it was his signature tune) of whom Digby was a big fan and biographer. There were features for Dominic Ashworth's subtle guitar work with "Manha de carnival" and for Julian Marc Stringle to demonstrate his prowess on both sax and clarinet with "Running Wild" and "Triste" and they even gave a western swing jazz flavour to "Across the Alley from the Alamo."

Digby Fairweather quintet

The Quintet is a trimmed down version of Digby's Half Dozen where close harmony singing is a big feature of the set and we were treated to wonderful close harmony renditions of "Liza" and "Baby" before, all too soon, it was time to close but not before the band gave homage to their original roadie Big Dave with a number "Oh Mate" which originated from one of Dave's favoured expressions.

The next concert will be on Sunday 12th February 2017 when the club welcomes back the Dave Newton trio with more "Music from the big screen". Tickets are available from 730601 or from Bill Wills on 523879.

© Ian Mitchell

Available to be used with permission to promote Newport Jazz club