Scarborough Jazz

The Shannon Reilly Trio (6th May 2015)

This trio cast a captivating musical spell over the audience.  Shannon's singing imbued the most familiar material with a delightful freshness that was most welcome.

Heavy Horns (29th April 2015)

The three saxophonists that make up the front line of the Heavy Horns, Jim Corry, Stuart MacDonald and James Russell (stepping in for an indisposed Rod Mason), had between them the entire saxophone range.

With them was an outstanding rhythm section, Richard Jones - piano, Paul Baxter - double bass and drummer Kristoffer Wright.  Their contribution to the success of the evening was huge.

The A.J.Brown Quartet (1st April 2015)

A.J. Brown obviously intends to be a big name in the business and there is no reason why he should not become one.  With a generous seventeen numbers in the evening, he gave a capacity audience great value and much pleasure.

The repertoire was thoughtfully chosen with well known standards, new songs and the odd surprise like Randy Newman's 'You've Got A Friend In Me'.  The band had many clever arrangements, catchy riffs and neat tempo changes.  They also generated a powerful swing that was totally infectious.

The Firebird Quartet (18th March, 2015)

This excellent band's energy enlivened The Cask audience from their first number.  They chose Nature Boy, giving it the lively rhythm of a Brazilian bembe, which took it a hundred miles away from the mawkish version by Nat King Cole.
 
The individual talents of the quartet were clearly demonstrated during this opener and whetted our appetites for what else was to follow.  This turned out to be accomplished musicianship showcased by a well chosen repertoire.