July 2, 2009 (From The Northern Echo)

July 2, 2009

6:04pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

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WHAT'S ON

Tonight Clare Teal, a welcome return to the Arc, Stockton, 01642525199, and tomorrow, Jacqui Dankworth, Gala, Durham, 0191-332-4041.

CD REVIEWS

Mainstream Giants of Jazz (Robinwood RWP0026)

It's probably enough just to mention that this session is led by the two tenor saxophonists Scott Hamilton and Danny Moss to please any mainstream jazz fan.

But when you add the rhythm section of Dave Cliff, John Pearce, Len Skeat and Martin Drew you can be certain of its quality. With combinations from solo piano, duets for guitar and bass, trios, quartets and the full sextet, plus a well chosen programme this really is a gem.

Dutch Jazz Orchestra/Moon Dreams (Challenge CR73275)

This talented big band, which specializes in locating and then performing unrecorded charts, has already done sterling work on lost pieces by Thad Jones and Billy Strayhorn, among others.

Now they've made available some of the arrangements and compositions Gil Evans and Gerry Mulligan wrote for the renowned Claude Thornhill Orchestra. It's wonderful to hear such rich music - some completely unknown and some extended versions of familiar recordings, all beautifully played and recorded.