MangoTango's 12-word review of The Impossible Gentlemen at Pizza Express, London

[mangotango]

I'm Struggling To Describe Just How ********* Good This Band Really Is.

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by mangotango

I'm Struggling To Describe Just How ********* Good This Band Really Is.

OK, I have more time now, so here goes.

Pizza Express, since I was on my own, decided that I really only needed one of the "Billy No-Mates Tables" that gave me a view of pianist Gwilym Simcock's left arm and leg (from behind a roof-supporting column), plus Mike Walker and Steve Swallow's upper halves and occasional glimpses of Adam Nussbaum's head and hands, all through the triangular gap between the piano, its lid and the support for the lid. Not a great start. However, once the band came on, it was worth every penny of the admission price and more.

First off, let me state the obvious - there are four great players in this band. Swallow and Nussbaum are a rhythm team par excellence, equal parts nimble and tasteful, groove and subtlety. Gwilym Simcock is a bona fide enfant terrible of jazz, a player whose talent is equalled only by his energy. And our own Mike Walker can play with fire and with sweetness as the occasion demands, (and all in all, is not too bad for a Manc. )

But as good as the players are - and they really are - the fifth ace in this particular pack is the strength of the compositions. Varied in style, rhythm and tone, the common factor is how melodic the tunes are and the fact that the band never loses sight of that.

Highlights? Too many to name, but the new tune, Simcock's "Freemantle Doctor", named for the cooling wind that blows through that part of Australia and featuring a superb Swallow solo; Mike's "out-Sco-ing Scofield" on Nussbaum's blues "Sure Would, Honey"; Simcock's melodica on "Wallenda's Last Stand"; the tenderness (not too strong a word) of "When You Hold Her".....I could retell the entire evening and not do justice to it.

And a chat with Mike afterward; what a good bloke. I kind of let myself down by still being gobsmacked at how good it was and found it difficult to say what I meant; I've been to a couple of great gigs this year - Kreisberg at the same Pizza Express, Rosenwinkel at Ronnie's - but this was just exceptional.

So Mr Walker, if you're reading this: It was as good as Weather Report the first time I ever saw them, with Jaco. It was as good as Metheny last time I saw him with just the quartet. If I'd gone to see you on the Monday, I'd have bought a ticket for last night on the spot. That was what I meant to say, but I guess that I was stuck between superlatives and expletives.


If this band gets the right support and the opportunities that it deserves, no telling how great they could be. Reader, it's worth your time checking them out.

I even ordered a t-shirt. Dammit, I'm 53 and a laid-back jazz dude, not some kid watching Iron Maiden, and I bought a t-shirt. No hope for me.

[JohnW400]

Hey, how do you get a tee shirt? I still have to buy the CD. I should ask Mike how to get here in the US.

Don't worry about the T-shirt. I still wear em and I'm about your age (although mostly for exercising and working around the house )

[musicalbodger]

Good to hear you enjoyed it so much Mango. Isn't it always so difficult to find the words to describe what an experience like that generates. As you say, "If this band gets the right support and the opportunities that it deserves, no telling how great they could be." Lovely to be in on the ground floor with such a great band.

If anyone hasn't yet got their tickets, the rest of the tour dates and links are here:

Thu 16th 8.00pm Wavendon, Bedfordshire, The Stables Jim Marshall Auditorium
Tickets £15 www.stables.org

Fri 17th 7.30pm Swansea, Taliesin Arts www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk

Sat Sat 18th 8.00pm The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Shropshire www.edgeartscentre.co.uk

Sun 19th 8.00pm Southport Festiva 01704 541790 www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk

Tue 21th 7.30pmManchester, Bridgewater Hall, Main Auditorium Tickets: £17.50 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/performance/16327.aspx

Wed 22 8.00pm Barnstaple, Queen Theatre Studio@QT, Queen’s Theatre
Admission: £13.40, conc £12.40 (+60p Love Arts
payment), student £5
Box Office: 01271 32 42 42 www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Thu 23rd 8.30pm Dorking, Watermill Jazz Club www.watermilljazz.co.uk

So, do yourself a favour, go without a few pints for a couple of weeks and if you haven't seen them yet, treat your ears. You really won't regret it.

[musicalbodger]

Originally Posted by JohnW400

I'm about your age (although mostly for exercising and working around the house )

so how old are you the rest of the time, JohnW?

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by JohnW400

Hey, how do you get a tee shirt? I still have to buy the CD. I should ask Mike how to get here in the US.

Don't worry about the T-shirt. I still wear em and I'm about your age (although mostly for exercising and working around the house )

Thanks John, feeling better already; though I was thinking more about the contrast between the external self-image of the cool dude who says nothing more than "yeh, not bad maaaaan, liked the groove on the first number"; and the internal kid who screams "aaaahthisissooooocoolgottheCDgottheTShirtget'emal lsignedbythebandman,aaaaah".


Mr. Cool image blown big stylee, I'm afraid.

As for getting the t-shirt; there were some very nice young ladies from Basho records selling them at the gig. Because I needed Seriously Large Bloke size, they took my name and e-m address and will let me know when the 2XL becomes available. So, I would suggest e-mailing the record company; or maybe even PM Mr. Walker.

Red, Light Blue, and White (which was nearer cream in colour), since you were about to ask.

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by musicalbodger

Good to hear you enjoyed it so much Mango. Isn't it always so difficult to find the words to describe what an experience like that generates. As you say, "If this band gets the right support and the opportunities that it deserves, no telling how great they could be." Lovely to be in on the ground floor with such a great band.

If anyone hasn't yet got their tickets, the rest of the tour dates and links are here:

Thu 16th 8.00pm Wavendon, Bedfordshire, The Stables Jim Marshall Auditorium
Tickets £15 www.stables.org

Fri 17th 7.30pm Swansea, Taliesin Arts www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk

Sat Sat 18th 8.00pm The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Shropshire www.edgeartscentre.co.uk

Sun 19th 8.00pm Southport Festiva 01704 541790 www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk

Tue 21th 7.30pmManchester, Bridgewater Hall, Main Auditorium Tickets: £17.50 www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/performance/16327.aspx

Wed 22 8.00pm Barnstaple, Queen Theatre Studio@QT, Queen’s Theatre
Admission: £13.40, conc £12.40 (+60p Love Arts
payment), student £5
Box Office: 01271 32 42 42 www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Thu 23rd 8.30pm Dorking, Watermill Jazz Club www.watermilljazz.co.uk

So, do yourself a favour, go without a few pints for a couple of weeks and if you haven't seen them yet, treat your ears. You really won't regret it.

Yeh, I was thinking about how to fit in a trip to Dorking; but then, I already had my ticket for the gig in November at the Southbank Centre (part of the London Jazz festival) with the Swallow Quintet headlining and the Gentlemen opening. Since Mr. Swallow doesn't seem to want to do the double header, the IG's have Steve Rodby depping for the evening - yeh, not too shabby.........

[musicalbodger]

Originally Posted by mangotango

I was thinking more about the contrast between the external self-image of the cool dude who says nothing more than "yeh, not bad maaaaan, liked the groove on the first number"; and the internal kid who screams "aaaahthisissooooocoolgottheCDgottheTShirtget'emal lsignedbythebandman,aaaaah".

[hot ford coupe]

Nertz! And I thought this thread was going to be about pizza in the U.K. I'm from New York and us New Yorkers are serious about our pizza.

BTW, I still wear my Beatle and guitar T shirts all over the place and I'm 61.

[paynow]

Originally Posted by hot ford coupe

Nertz! And I thought this thread was going to be about pizza in the U.K. I'm from New York and us New Yorkers are serious about our pizza.

BTW, I still wear my Beatle and guitar T shirts all over the place and I'm 61.

Still one of the best:

Lombardi's Pizza

I slept there, in a booth, the last time I was up. I needed to make sure I got my fill and didn't want to have to wait on line. I never tried pizza when I visited the U.K. but the name "Pizza Express" doesn't inspire confidence with me. Sounds like a great jazz place though.

I still wear my Beatle shirts and guitar shirts at 45, so you made me feel better.

I have to get this CD. The clips sound great and Mike's contributions to this board are always informative and respectful, loaded with valuable knowledge. Awesome player as is everyone else on this CD. Wish they'd play here in the states.

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by paynow

Still one of the best:

Lombardi's Pizza

I slept there, in a booth, the last time I was up. I needed to make sure I got my fill and didn't want to have to wait on line. I never tried pizza when I visited the U.K. but the name "Pizza Express" doesn't inspire confidence with me. Sounds like a great jazz place though.

I still wear my Beatle shirts and guitar shirts at 45, so you made me feel better.

I have to get this CD. The clips sound great and Mike's contributions to this board are always informative and respectful, loaded with valuable knowledge. Awesome player as is everyone else on this CD. Wish they'd play here in the states.

The Pizza isn't so great there, I prefer Papa John's - but the music is always good.

Paynow, I bet the band would love to get to the States but as with everything, it's a matter of money and arranging these things. Why not PM Mr. Walker and get his views?

And speaking as a Liverpudlian who was taken to see the Beatles when I was 7 - the comments from you and HFC warm my heart.

[paynow]

Originally Posted by mangotango

The Pizza isn't so great there, I prefer Papa John's - but the music is always good.

Paynow, I bet the band would love to get to the States but as with everything, it's a matter of money and arranging these things. Why not PM Mr. Walker and get his views?

And speaking as a Liverpudlian who was taken to see the Beatles when I was 7 - the comments from you and HFC warm my heart.

Papa John's made it over to England? Man, I can see the revolution starting all over again. I hope you folks don't hold that against us.

Perhaps I will PM Mike. When I saw his name in the George Russell bio that came out recently I did, and he was most gracious.

I'm a huge Beatles fan my brother. I still listen to them everyday. My Dad was a music teacher so I played an instrument from the age of 8, but then quit at around 14. It was discovering Beatles records that brought me to the guitar and back to music at around age 16. And I'm going to visit Liverpool one day, no question. The sense of humor over there is like NYC in so many ways.

[JohnW400]

PAPA JOHNS!!! Never eat pizza from a franchise chain.

mangotango, if you ever come to the NY-NJ area let us know and I'm sure you will get the real deal on where to go in all 5 boroughs plus NJ in order to eat REAL pizza.

[hot ford coupe]

Originally Posted by paynow

Still one of the best:

Lombardi's Pizza

.

THAT'S THE PLACE TO GO !!! I know that place. They were on the History Channel. I think it's still family owned. It's the birthplace of the best pizza in the world. Here in my area of Kentucky, I'm stuck with Pizza Hut. My guts have never forgiven me.

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by JohnW400

PAPA JOHNS!!! Never eat pizza from a franchise chain.

mangotango, if you ever come to the NY-NJ area let us know and I'm sure you will get the real deal on where to go in all 5 boroughs plus NJ in order to eat REAL pizza.

Jeez guys, round where I am it's that, or the hideously expensive Domino's, or Pizza Hut .

However, I am more than willing to take you up on this when I get to NY. I will end up the size of a house, no question, but what a way to go.

[paynow]

Originally Posted by hot ford coupe

THAT'S THE PLACE TO GO !!! I know that place. They were on the History Channel. I think it's still family owned. It's the birthplace of the best pizza in the world. Here in my area of Kentucky, I'm stuck with Pizza Hut. My guts have never forgiven me.

Same thing here in NC, though there are some independently owned places that are on a level with the NJ and NYC burbs. So, I make my own.

Lombardi's pizza is like good jazz; simple yet sophisticated with a lot of interesting and subtle flavors.

We'll take care of you Mango, if you ever come over here. Don't pay to eat Domino's or Pizza Hut; have them pay you.

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by paynow

Papa John's made it over to England? Man, I can see the revolution starting all over again. I hope you folks don't hold that against us.

Perhaps I will PM Mike. When I saw his name in the George Russell bio that came out recently I did, and he was most gracious.

I'm a huge Beatles fan my brother. I still listen to them everyday. My Dad was a music teacher so I played an instrument from the age of 8, but then quit at around 14. It was discovering Beatles records that brought me to the guitar and back to music at around age 16. And I'm going to visit Liverpool one day, no question. The sense of humor over there is like NYC in so many ways.

Now speaking of which...here's a little history for you that might be of interest. Liverpool being one of the major seaports of the British Empire, ships sailed from there all over the world, but it was one of the main departure ports for the US. Lots of Liverpool men worked on the great Liners heading off to New York - my grandfather was a ship's barber for a long time until he made enough money to open his own shop. These men were nicknamed "The Cunard Cowboys" after they started bringing back all kinds of stuff from the States, including the kind of records -blues, rock and roll, etc. - that were passed around amongst musicians and inspired Merseybeat in the late '50's and early '60's.

And jazz - one of the oldest continuing (Dixieland) jazz groups in the UK is "The Merseysippi Jazz Band" (named after the River Mersey, on the estuary of which Liverpool is situated).


Blimey - how far off topic have we strayed?

[pingu]

BBC - BBC Radio 3 Programmes - Jazz Line-Up, Makoto Kuriya, Peter Sarik

[JohnW400]

Not to hijack but I just had a good laugh.

I walked out to the factory area at my job and there's a truck driver from Tennessee dropping of a load. He's a little late. the reason? He had to stop and get a couple of pies for the trip back. He say's the pizzas are bigger in Tennessee but not as good.

[FatJeff]

Originally Posted by JohnW400

PAPA JOHNS!!! Never eat pizza from a franchise chain.

mangotango, if you ever come to the NY-NJ area let us know and I'm sure you will get the real deal on where to go in all 5 boroughs plus NJ in order to eat REAL pizza.

+100!

[paynow]

Originally Posted by JohnW400

Not to hijack but I just had a good laugh.

I walked out to the factory area at my job and there's a truck driver from Tennessee dropping of a load. He's a little late. the reason? He had to stop and get a couple of pies for the trip back. He say's the pizzas are bigger in Tennessee but not as good.

Love it. John, don't know your proximity to the "tap" or GW but if you want to cross over to Westchester, you might want to check this place out:

Welcome to The Original Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - Home

The original location is New Haven, which brings up the point that CT has some of the best pizza in the country. I've eaten at the one in CT. Awesome. Lines around the block, at least in CT, not sure about Yonkers.

[mike walker]

Pizza is horrific.

M&S Chunky haddock steaks. Game on.

[musicalbodger]

Originally Posted by JohnW400

PAPA JOHNS!!! Never eat pizza from a franchise chain.

Never eat ANYTHING from a franchise chain!

See ya tonight, Mike.

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by mike walker

Pizza is horrific.

M&S Chunky haddock steaks. Game on.

Mike, much as I have been glowing in my praise above, I have to argue with you on that.


Pizza is the food of the Gods.


Fat, bloated, calorie-ridden Gods, with acne from all that Mozzarella, admittedly, and absolutely hammered on the Chianti Classico that washes it down; but deities nevertheless.....

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by mangotango

Yeh, I was thinking about how to fit in a trip to Dorking; but then, I already had my ticket for the gig in November at the Southbank Centre (part of the London Jazz festival) with the Swallow Quintet headlining and the Gentlemen opening. Since Mr. Swallow doesn't seem to want to do the double header, the IG's have Steve Rodby depping for the evening - yeh, not too shabby.........

Well, last night was the gig, and what a great night of modern jazz. The Swallow Quintet was nice to listen to - all new compositions and I will buy the album if and when it comes out. Guitarist Steve Cardenas played a 335 through a twin and got exactly the sound that i would have expeted with that combination - clean and bright - and his melodic playing suited the Swallow compositions perfectly. It was however, a little polite for my personal tastes

BUT

The Impossible Gentlemen, with Mr. Rodby depping on (Eminence?) EUB, absolutely NAILED it. Even with the piano suffering from a bad PA mix, the band was outstanding. They played a mere 5 numbers and not to put too fine a point on it, my Twelve Word Review above still applies, possibly even more so. There were cries for more, sadly unrewarded - though I can see that was always going to be the case. After all, you wouldn't want to upset your regular bassist, would you?

I was there with some of the guys from the Co-Op band I play in, with their partners and/or friends. Every one of them was extolling the virtues of the Impossibles and I managed to persuade several of them to contribute to the CD sales. I was lucky in that the venue had misplaced my original booking, so in its place, I got one of the reserved seats down the front. Row B, seat 22. Front and centre. Couldn't have been better positioned!

And Mike, if you get to read this at some stage, I can only say - You Played Alright For A Manc, mate.

[mike walker]

Been on tour, Mango, so not been around much.
Thanks for this.

Two tours already in for 012. June/July and Nov/Dec.
Uk and Europe. New album in between the tours. Swallow on bass.

Learning Italian. Might move over there. The Pizza in Italy gets even the most hard hearted man all misty eyed.

[mike walker]

Originally Posted by zYrahL3e

Lombardi's pizza is good but I think there are a lot more delicious pizza located here in Tampa.

Tampa franchise opportunities

Also, 'pizza' has two Z's like 'Jazz', which connects it emotionally and spiritually to its swingy sibling, don't ya think?

[mike walker]

Cheezzuss. Izz it I can get a Pizza endorzement or zumzing?

My fave car is an Audi 8 series with all the trimmings.

Just in case an Audi CEO
likes Jazz and toons in now and again.
if he/she does, well then,
owdy pardner!!!

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by mike walker

Cheezzuss. Izz it I can get a Pizza endorzement or zumzing?

My fave car is an Audi 8 series with all the trimmings.

Just in case an Audi CEO
likes Jazz and toons in now and again.
if he/she does, well then,
owdy pardner!!!

Awwww man, I thought you wuz keeping it real!! You sold out!!

[mike walker]

Originally Posted by mangotango

Awwww man, I thought you wuz keeping it real!! You sold out!!

Selling out has it's benefits.
I can afford to post adds in downbeat etc, promoting my album, 'keeping jazz real'.