Words by Althea Patterson / Pics by Lucy Heath
If you’ve been curious about going to a Jazz night, but felt put off at the prospect of it being chock full of Louis Balfour types, then rest assured – at York’s Cafe & Bakery not a bad bowl cut or Polo neck jumper were to be seen. This is seemingly where the cool folk go on a Monday, as curious and cold passersby looked in through the large Newhall Street front window.
An easygoing crowd munched pizzas, sipped fine blended teas and displayed an array of impressive tattoos to rival to art on the walls; positioning themselves at the best vantage point for the aptly titled ‘Bakery Sessions’.
Eschewing polo necks for Adidas and Diesel, the band got down to entertaining us loudly and heartily. I could list their songs, their interplay; but frankly, I was too busy having a fantastic time just watching them. But I will mention a voluptuous rendition of Thelonious Monk’s Green Chimneys that led us down a winding bourbon soaked alley, where I wanted to stay all night long.
The room soon packed out with people and instrument cases lining the tables. I was lucky to get a front row seat, a nose length away from band leader Percy Pursglove’s trumpet spit valve – nothing like it.
As for the rest of the band; guitarist Gareth Fowler may not have been moving as much as some would like, but he was in his own world where strings and wood ruled. A study of concentration, he played beautifully much to the obvious respect of his band mates; I adored him.
Bass player Mark Hodgson played his instrument with aplomb and ease, and as you don’t see a double bass every day I revelled in its unapologetically bossy sound. Bass players always look so damn cool in my opinion…
Elsewhere we had Chris Young, Ewan Palmer, Mark Fletcher; and I apologise if I don’t get all musician’s names, but the whole evening’s line up were fantastically entertaining.
So stick it in your diary, Jazz night/Bakery Sessions at York’s Cafe & Bakery every Monday. Get out there and listen to something new, live and local; see fingers slap, pluck and stroke strings, alongside crisp brass notes and effortless percussion. Wonderful stuff.
And at the tail end of a cold February, with a bevy of tea, coffee & cakes only an arm’s length away, I can’t think of a better way to warm yourself up.
For more about York’s Cafe & Bakery, including further details about menus & events, visit http://www.yorksbakerycafe.co.uk