Peter Bernstein commented “There’s an old joke in show business. You play a venue twice – once on the way up and once on the way down”. Fortunately for us, he had miscalculated and this was actually the third time these two giants of jazz guitar had come together to perform at the 606 club. In the past, they had played single nights and this was the first night of a double header over two days. The good fortune continued. Just like their previous performance, Jim and Peter were again accompanied by an ace rhythm section, namely Jeremy Brown on bass and Steve Brown on drums.
The band opened with In Your Own Sweet Way which proved to be a relatively gentle introduction to the evening’s music with flowing lines from Jim and delicate brushwork from Steve. Four followed which was much more up tempo with the guitars harmonising and ending in a three way conversation between the guitars and drums.
It set the pattern for the evening’s music, where delicious ballads contrasted with full on tunes where Peter and Jim were tearing it up.
Peter related how he heard the news of Benny Golson’s death while out on the road. As a tribute, they played a stunningly beautiful Whisper Not with a lovely wistful solo from Peter.
The interplay was remarkable, almost telepathic with barely a glance between them to cue in the changes. They were having fun as well – during one solo Jim referenced Tiptoe Through the Tulips and then improvised around it. It made perfect sense!
Funjii Mama, played as a calypso, brought a burst of Caribbean sunshine, in contrast to the cold, damp London night outside. That is, after a false start from Peter, accompanied by much laughter showing that even the greats fluff their lines occasionally.
Lyresto made for an interesting choice. The original, played by Burrell and Coltrane, lent itself well to two guitars with straight ahead, fast driving blues and Jim tearing it up and trading licks with Peter.
As gently the evening started, it finished with a rousing Birdlike – Peter playing fast bebop blues with rhythm guitar pushing it along, kicking up a storm.
There was even time for a quick encore – Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You (in Eb!), took the temperature down after the last number and was delivered as straight ahead blues,. It featured a lovely bit of Wes inspired blues from Jim.
Of course mention must be made of the rhythm section who turned in a sterling performance with the lovely elegant lines from Jeremy and the sheer artistry from Steve. They were the perfect foil for the guitarists and stepped up to drive the music where required. They also had plenty of opportunities to solo and demonstrate their musicality.
So a very special night came to an end. The band decamped, accompanied by a small entourage of musicians. Judging by the number of jazz guitarists in attendance, there can’t have been many left elsewhere in London.
Peter Bernstein: guitar
Jim Mullen: guitar
Jeremy Brown: bass
Steve Brown: drums
SETLIST
In Your Own Sweet Way Dave Brubeck
Four Miles Davis
I Fall in Love Too Easily Jule Styne/Sammy Cahn
Con Alma Dizzy Gillespie
Funjii Mama Blue Mitchell.
Whisper Not Benny Golson
Lyresto Kenny Burrell
Autumn in New York Vernon Duke
Birdlike Freddie Hubbard
Encore: Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You Andy Razaf/Don Redman
