"Silver Thursdays" @ The Phoenix, York 5/8/2010!!!

Who would have thought playing the music of an entire album would be so enjoyable and so difficult??!! The Cape Verdean Blues album is one of my favourite Horace Silver and also one of my favourite Blue Note Albums, great music, great production and great perfromers!! Joe henderson plays an absolute blinding part in this record as did Woody Shaw and J.J. Johnson.

The arrangements and the tunes are great examples of Silver's great musical skills , his ability to write cutting edge, comtemporary and all the while accessible music an ability that sets him apart from many of his peers.

The most difficult tune of the evening was the collaboration between Silver and Henderson "Mo' Joe" but with a few moments of thought we managed to get to the end tenor saxophonist John Mckillup filling the role of Henderson excellently with the addition of a few Brecker-esque licks in there for good measure.

I particularly enjoy the tune "African Queen" a dedication to the late, great Miriam Makeba, one of Silver's ex-girlfriends!, a wonderful piece of music and two great performances from James Lancaster and Zezo Olimpio on the gig!!!

Thanks to Tim and Val down the Phoenix for letting us put on these evenings every first thursday of the Mont. Next Month we perform the music from the album "Horace-Scope".

Cheers. 5POS

5 Pieces of Silver @ The Burton Agnes Jazz Festival 6/8/2010!!!!

5 Pieces of Silver were given the great privilege of playing at one of the most promising festivals to emerge in recent years last friday. Absolutely beautiful setting and a thoroughly magnificent audience, attentive and giving. A great deal of thanks and kudos to it's organisers, Simon Cunliffe- Lister and Saffron Byass who along with co-workers have created a

n efficient, hassle free and enjoyable festival.

We got to open the festival and it was a delightful evening, there was a dark cloud looming however it was kept at bay and the backdrop of the burton agnes hall and the marvellous summer's evening was a beautiful sight. A wonderful experience playing the great music of Horace Silver in such a great setting. With the addition of great catering and the Wold Top Brewery providing great beers it was truly great event.

Cheers Guys.