Live
Bill Evans & Robben Ford: Soulgrass Meets Blues Ronnie Scott's 7/7/10
I was intrigued to hear that, Robben Ford (ex Miles Davis) one of the best, modern day blues guitar heroes had teamed up with fiery bop tenorist Bill Evans (ex Miles Davis too!). The only thing that bothered me was the inclusion of a third soloist playing electric banjo!It begged the question, "how the devil was this going to work out?"
Taking an obvious leaf out of Bela Fleck's electric banjo noodlin' seemed to be the premise. The "Soulgrass" (which sounded like one of those abominable health drinks you'd get at borough market) edged it's way in sweetly as Ryan Cavanaugh's confounded instrument sounded more like an organ on the first number.
Whilst on later numbers it morphed and sounded like a really cool guitar and Robben Ford, guitar god and all round genial nice guy, was in serious danger of being outshone by his country colleague. But luckily for RF, the bull rushes didn't beckon and Robben began to slice out solo after solo in his cool but gritty approach and his voice sounded better than ever.Helped no doubt by the fact that Ronnie's PA and sound is always excellent and tonight was no exception.
Funkily tinged bluegrass mixed with muscular bluesy workouts and the rapid riffs of Bill Evans was the order of the day. Ray Charles 'Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" was a particular joy, likewise the hypnotic 'That Spoonful', with Robben and Bill joshing about like old college friends whilst their country cousin,the lesser known, Cavanaugh was hot on the heels of Robben with his virtuosic flatpicking.
The rhythm section kept things bubbling along too. Etienne Mbabbe's light fingered, funk infested bass playing was music to my ears and the solid groove playing of Toss Panos admirably fullfilled the audience's needs and preoccupations with their brand of country fusion funk!
However their was one train wreck I could mention without trepidation! The bluegrass and fast be bop showstopper 'Katy Hill' virtuosic I grant you but ultimately pointless It grew tiresomely thin (quicker than a size zero model on a crash diet .) Two great styles but together? Head to head? I think not! Finishing with a classic Miles Davis tune from 'Tutu' (as the tyrannical trumpeter/genius had brought them closer together in harmony and kindred spirits) was the perfect thing to do and address this minor blip from this otherwise hugely enjoyable evening.
On a rather sombre note, we at B&S would like to pay our respects especially to the family of Ronnie's house drummer Chris Dagley who died tragically in a motorbike accident recently. Still only in his thirties, in his prime and totally on top of his game,he will be sorely missed.
Likewise drummer Martin, Drew another great Ronnie Scotts Alumni has passed away respect also to his family especially to Danielle his loving daughter.
i'ts been a very sad time indeed and on top this Ronnie Scotts regular visitor Dr Karen Woo, the humanitarian doctor, who was a highly vivacious and engaging being was killed in Afghanistan on completion of her duties and about to get married. Our thoughts are with her family and intended too..........
Words Emrys Baird
