I’m such a TART. Any excuse to get dressed up Jase. And so on Sunday evening, out went the shout of: To the Conga! For Wiv Music Mix! These Sunday monthly Sunday night sessions have been on my radar for sometime. But I’m usually working on Sunday evenings. A little rota tinkering around the edges, and I’ve found some space to enjoy some live music right on my doorstep.
And that’s the whole bloody point. The Congregational Church (stop sniggering) is less than two minutes over the road. Quality live music is scheduled each month, all for around £20. You’d struggle with that over at the Sunny Colch Arts Centre. Plus it’s a right bloody pain for us to get back from late at night.
Steve’s Music Mix - to give the event its correct name - is a broadly jazz based listing of artists playing in a live setting. The Sunday evening slot seems just perfect for live jazz. Elmer’s Jazz Collective rocked up at the Conga this month - an informal gathering of local musicians, put together by local jazz drummer, erm, Elmer.
The Conga actually looked great, and nothing like a Church. Even Song this most certainly wasn’t. The main space was blacked out, with plenty of stage lighting to add to the atmosphere. And blimey, it was bloody busy. I’m no good at head counts, but I’d wager possibly somewhere between 250 - 300 folk had turned out.
I made a beeline for the bar. Blood of Christ, etc. I settled on a bottle of red. Chin chin. We took up our seats, poured a glass of BOOZE and waited for the six piece to take to the stage. This is far better than Antiques Roadshow. Or even Sunday evening work.
The musicians were superb. The setlist was an exploration of some jazz standards, as well as a left field approach for finding inspiration. Solos featured heavily, allowing the trumpet, saxophone, keys, jazz guitar and double bass to showcase their individual skills. Elmer held it all together with his sticks.
This felt like a local approach to a professional performance. SHOUT OUT to the various local hands who were volunteering and helping out with the desk, front of house and bar etc.
I found myself head nodding as the evening - and the BOOZE - continued. The set became very funky in the second half. Two and a half hours later and the house lights came on. That was bloody brilliant. I’ve really missed live music. Now it’s back, and right on my doorstep. Nice.
