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Friday, November 21, 2008, 11:43
By Chris Beggs
This show at Leicester University's Café Piazza marked the moment when rising tenor sax star Simon Spillett became one of the best in the land.
His opening number, Peace Pipe, was taken at a hell of a lick, but he was utterly relaxed, fingers barely seeming to move.
A relaxed Off the Wagon – by his inspiration, late great British saxophonist Tubby Hayes – and then a sumptuous ballad, Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most, proved his mastery and rich tone.
Not that this was a one-man show – his rhythm section of John Critchenson, piano, the amazing Andy Cleyndert, bass, and Martin Drew, drums, are steeped in jazz experience, so the sparks flew and A Pint of Bitter was graced by a beautifully- constructed bass solo.
Highlights of the second set were Gillespie’s Latin Tin Tin Deo, with Drew adjusting the snare for effects without missing a beat, Clark Terry’s Simple Waltz brought out Critchenson’s best, and a break-neck Cherokee. Kissing your soul were the ballads The Right to Love and A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
Unforgettable.
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