John Irish, Reporter
The Studio Theater was abuzz with the sounds of great jazz. Martin Shaw, one of the leading British jazz greats, along with the ITG 2002 Conference Rhythm Section, began their set with the Cole Porter standard, What is This Thing Called Love. The audience
appreciated the wonderful artistry and prodigious improvising skills Shaw displayed from his very fist notes. A round of solos by the rhythm section followed Shaw’s smooth solo choruses including one on electric piano which added an alluring sound to the tune. The ballad, My One and Only Love, followed spotlighting the gorgeous, mellifluous sound of the flugelhorn. Shaw gave us a sensitive, atmospheric treatment of the song as did his partners in the rhythm section.
Two guest artists were then introduced—none other than Claudio Roditi and Marvin Stamm, two of the jazz world’s great trumpeters. Joy Spring, the famous Clifford Brown tune, was the first vehicle for some fabulous solos by the trio. Roditi lit up the room with his signature rotary-valved trumpet. His flowing, full sound was in perfect form for a stunning romp through the changes. Shaw took the next solo modernizing the sounds with his trip through the tune. Stamm played his flugelhorn on a series of amazing choruses which definitely put an exclamation point on the piece. The three soloists then traded fours followed by a unison version of the head which closed out the tune and brought the house down. The standard, Secret Love was handled in a driving up-tempo tempo. The energetic solos included a plethora of astonishing ideas and licks, delighting the highly enthused jazz lovers who liberally showed their appreciation. What an absolute treat to hear the wealth of talent and experience on that stage!
Shaw and rhythm section laid down a straighter, rock groove with Herbie Hancock’s Cantaloupe Island. His flugelhorn negotiated the modern harmonies of the piece with fiery assurance. The rhythm section then let time float in the midst of a complex electric piano solo before bringing back the head and Shaw’s superb playing. In the standard ballad, Body and Soul, Shaw (again on flugelhorn) brought out a great depth of feeling in his sensitive rendering of this classic tune. Short double-time sections were sprinkled throughout all the solos adding a savory touch. Recorda Me, a lively latin tune, closed out the set. Shaw blew through his fleet, fast-moving lines while offering contrast with colorful, longer notes for a very interesting set of solos.
The final event of day three at the 2002 Conference featured marvelous playing by all the jazz artists who participated. The set was inspiring, and appreciated by all. Cheers to Shaw and friends: Andy Kikngslow, piano; Pete Turner, bass; and Eryl Roberts, drums.
