Rick Simpson Quartet, Darlington Arts Centre (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Rick Simpson Quartet, Darlington Arts Centre

11:59am Friday 5th February 2010

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UP-AND-COMING pianist Rick Simpson made a very welcome return to the region, attracting a virtually full house to the Arts Centre.

Though he’s performed regularly at the Traveller’s Rest in Cockerton and occasionally at the Arts Centre, this was his first featured performance in the theatre, with the advantage of the Steinway grand.

For this visit, the last date in a mini-tour, the featured soloist was alto saxophonist Martin Speake, with backing from bass player Tom Farmer (also seen with Simpson at the Traveller’s Rest) and drummer Josh Morrison.

The programme was a wellchosen mix of standards and attractive new compositions by Simpson and Speake, and from the first number, Stablemates, this seemed a fluent and well-balanced group, each musician attentive to the others, whatever the tempo.

On Speake’s Bison, a sensitive bass solo prepared the way nicely for a slightly wistful alto solo which then contrasted well with Simpson’s jaunty Semi-Wogan.

The sentimental ballad, Be my love, proved a good source of inspiration, with a beautifully structured and balanced improvisation on the alto, followed by Simpson’s piano solo, which showed off his touch, impressive finger work and jazz sensitivity.

Other successes included Willow, with good interplay between piano, bass and drums, Move, with crisp alto and piano in unison, The thrill is gone and Easy to remember, owing more to Coltrane than Billie Holiday and featuring a particularly good piano solo.

Throughout, bass and drums were very sensitive, never playing too loudly above the piano and saxophone.

In all, a most successful concert.

Next in the Jazz Nights series is the Brian Kellock/Julian Arguelles duo on Friday, February 12; box office 01325-486555.

Peter Bevan

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