Arnie Somogyi's Scenes in the City
All festivals need an all-star band, and I think I’ll make this one the Scarborough Festival All Stars. This Sunday afternoon set was an exploration of Charles Minus’ exuberant music by a band that did it full justice. Led (appropriately) by bass player Arnie Somogyi, with rhythm support from Clark Tracey on drums and Tim Lapthorne on piano, and a terrific frontline of Tony Kofi’s alto and wonderful baritone, Alan Barnes exuberant on alto and tenor and Jeremy Price playing fluent and often melancholy trombone.
Many bands would be setting themselves up for a fall by choosing to play pieces by a giant of jazz like Mingus to an audience full of knowledgeable listeners. But rather than falling this was a set of soaring, beautifully realised interpretations which made a respectful nod to Mingus-era performances, while giving each musician enough space to create the individual solos which are essential to the all-star line-up. Somogyi avoided pastiching Mingus, and played as himself, but when the band picked up a number in which Mingus fingers were required he didn’t disappoint. Equally the ensemble playing gave anyone who had heard Mingus’ records would get a warm glow of recognition. I was particularly taken with Price’s solos which were perfectly placed within the Mingus tribute. Kofi and Barnes were their boisterous selves. All members were taken with the gospel spirit which pervades Mingus’ compositions, and the audience clearly responded with enthusiasm.
I have to say I especially liked the more abstract interpretations offered, up and there were times when I felt they chose to be a little more conservative than was necessary. Perhaps another characteristic of the all-star band. Having said that this was genuine collective music-making, no one was there just to support the soloists and those up on stage clearly enjoyed themselves as much as we did in the hall.
Tim Wall
