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alter ego

 

Since their debut performance in 2008 Alter Ego have entertained audiences at many North East jazz venues and festivals. The group seldom perform jazz standards, preferring instead to delve into the rich catalogue of original compositions created by the likes of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Hank Mobley, and Miles Davis. The result is a stylistically varied programme including Up-tempo Swing, Hard Bop, Funk and Latin Jazz.
 
The group's instrumentation allows for tightly structured arrangements, with harmonically rich ensemble passages, exciting rhythmic interplay and inventive improvised solos from all band members.
 
Alter Ego is:
 

Keith Robinson – Alto Sax

Niall Armstrong – Tenor Sax/Flute

Dave Hignett – Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Andy Hawking – Piano

Ian Paterson – Bass

David Francis - Drums

 

contact davidfrancisdrums@hotmail.co.uk

Sound Clips

1. Roll Call

2. Alter Ego

3. Red Snapper

4. A Bittadose

 

Queens Hall Hexham May 29th 2009.

Soloists thrilled with all that jazz

By REBECCA DIXON

Last updated 09:40, Friday, 05 June 2009

AFTER a beautiful, sunny day in Hexham, the mood of the Alter Ego audience reflected this.

As I waited outside for the rest of my party to arrive, I couldn’t help but notice the smiles on people’s faces as they walked in, expectant of a chilled Friday night of jazz.

They certainly weren’t disappointed.

A mixture of the young, and the not-so-young, filled the town’s Exchange Café and waited patiently for the music to begin as the band set up in front of us, enjoying the modern, cool surroundings.

A swift drum fill led us straight into the first number and within seconds we could see the rapport between the band, especially the brass trio.

The solos were also fantastic; the second number when pianist Andy Hawking laid down a fantastic solo, looked like being the best of the night, but within seconds Dave Hignett (trumpet/flugelhorn) followed with a stunning solo, and a lick at the end that left many of the audience grinning widely!

My favourite of the night, had to be the samba number part of the way through the second half. If just one of us listening had got up and started to dance, it would have been infectious.

This was by far one of the best jazz performances I’ve seen, and there are only a couple of criticisms, none of which related to the music.

Perhaps due to where I was sitting I found it very difficult to hear the introductions to each number, so was unsure what to expect each time.

Also, after the rapturous applause the band received at the end, I would usually expect at least one encore, but none was forthcoming.

So, fantastic music, great atmosphere, just not enough of it!

Stuart Shevlin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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