Review: Much Ado About Jazz delights Edge Arts Centre audience

The Edge Arts Centre was treated to an evening of top-class playing, infectious humour and musical ingenuity on Friday as Chris Gumbley and Al Gurr brought their acclaimed Much Ado About Jazz show to town.

These are two highly skilled musicians, masters of their trade whose precision, passion and expertise make even the most complex passages seem effortless. Their programme ranged from Irving Berlin’s Cheek to Cheek and George Gershwin’s Summertime to the Beatles’ Norwegian Wood and Johnny Dankworth’s Tomorrow’s World theme. Each received a fresh and exhilarating treatment, showcasing the duo’s remarkable versatility and their ability to move between styles without missing a beat.

The second half began with pianist Al explaining the essence of jazz improvisation in wonderfully straightforward terms: “Play the tune, then play nothing like the tune, then go back to the tune again.” He promptly put this into practice, inviting the audience to call out three random notes before building a tune around them. It was a brilliant demonstration of the skill and spontaneity involved in creating music on the spot, delivered with characteristic dry humour.

Dave Brubeck’s Take Five and Anthony Newley’s Pure Imagination followed, before Chris switched to bass clarinet for a beautifully judged performance of Duke Ellington’s In a Sentimental Mood.

Throughout the evening, the musicians combined technical brilliance with an easy rapport. Every note spoke of years of experience, dedication and a deep understanding of the music, yet nothing felt laboured or self-indulgent. Instead, the performance was marked by generosity, spontaneity and a genuine delight in sharing their craft with the audience.

An encore of Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ brought proceedings to a fitting close. Much Ado About Jazz proved that outstanding musicianship and a sense of fun are a winning combination.

By Peter Neale