Jack Kendon Sextet

The Verdict, 19/10/13

Saxophonist Will Gardner, playing on the first couple of numbers, left early to go to another gig, leaving it to trombonist Tarik Mecci and trumpeter Jack Kendon to play the lead parts of some classic hard bop arrangements. The musicians in the audience might have noticed the occasional tuning glitch and missed cue, but this didn’t detract from a night that featured some great soloing. Bassist Joe Downard let rip on Billie’s Bounce (one of two encores), showing not just his technical brilliance but also his knowledge of Christian McBride’s bluesy bass playing. The full sound of his bass was a good match to the hard drumming of Tristan Banks. Pianist Al Scott not only played some virtuosic solos, but also showed his softer side on the trio number, Blue In Green. The highlights of the evening included some fantastic soloing from the front line, with Jack Kendon soloing on both trumpet and flugelhorn and Tarik Mecci, a new name to many, showing great fluency and soulfulness – I hope to see more of him in the future.