Pat Strachan – Trombone and Vocals
James Steele – Baritone Sax
Jon Hall – Piano
Neil Sharkey – Double Bass
Mike Sharkey – Drums
Apart from pesto and pasta, brass and woodwind are one of my favourite combinations, so it was a real pleasure to have Pat Strachan’s trombone alongside James Steele’s baritone sax. Both players were in top form. From the opening notes of “Walkin” I knew it was going to be a good night, and it was! Among the many highlights I would cite the Cannonball Adderley introduction to a very mellow “Autumn Leaves”, a swinging rendition of “Killer Joe” with its dramatic crescendo in the middle section, Bob Berg’s driving “Friday Night at the Cadillac Club” and Pat’s own poignant composition “Song of Findhorn”. Pat and James exchanged fiery phrases and made an excellent partnership. All of this plus one of the strongest and most empathetic rhythm sections around. To be repeated!
Jon Hall
Moray Jazz Club 