Memorials

Gate 403 | The Rex | Rex Reprise |

Review of the day at the Rex -  | Dick Felix Quartet |  Jack McCaffrey Trio "Rough Jazz" | Tony Quarrington Sextet | Anthony Terpstra's Seventet |  All photos show here are by Doug Watson (Copyright July 2003) A reprise of the Memorial for Canadian Jazz Pianist Bob George On Sunday July 20/03, from 3:00 p.m. til 6:40 p.m at The Rex Hotel & Jazz and Blues Bar. The guest MC for the event was Mr. Doug Watson, of Jazz FM The event started bang on time with The Jack McCaffrey Trio "Rough Jazz" featuring Jack McCaffrey on Piano, Tony Laviola on Upright Bass and John O'Donahue on Drums. They played a lively set consisting of: What is this thing called love Monk’s Dream Teardrop Funji Mama Embraceable You New York Attitude It was a really nice set and it was great to hear the trio again. Top of Page Next was the Anthony Terpstra Seventet, with a very short delay while they got set-up. It is a credit to both the participants and to the Rex’s soundman, how quickly and smoothly the transition went. While we were waiting, Doug Watson talked about the previous band, described the day’s events and welcomed the audience. The Anthony Terpstra Seventet  features Anthony Terpstra on Drums and vocals; Michael Morse on Bass; Richard Whitehouse on Piano; Steve McDonald on tenor  Sax:   Tom Skublics on baritone  Sax; Mike Malone on Trumpet;  and Jules Estrin on Trombone. Anthony Terbstra on drums The Seventet’s set list was Night and Day Jumpin' On the Merry Go Round Desafinado East of the Sun, Chicago, Early Autumn Eager Beaver Stompin' at the Savoy. It was a great set and it’s amazing how much “big band” sound just seven guys can get. It’s always a pleasure to hear Anthony Terpstra’s smooth vocals. Top of Page The Seventet was followed by The Tony Quarrington Sextet Once again, the transition between the two bands was smooth and quick. One major boon is that the Rex has its own drum set which means far less set-up time for all concerned. And what small delay was experienced was made negligible by our gracious MC. Tony Quarrington’s band is made up of  Tony Quarrington on guitar; Michael Morse on bass; Mike McClelland, drums; Mike Malone, trumpet and fluegelhorn; Jaan Koel, tenor and soprano sax, and flute and Chris Robinson, tenor sax They played 1. Unfathomable (written/arranged Tony Quarrington, a new line on chords of HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN) 2. Ravelesque (written Bob George, arranged by Mike Morse) 3. Pick Yourself Up (Jerome Kern, arranged by Mike Morse) 4. Stars Fell on Alabama (an old standard, arranged by Tony Quarrington - Bob loved to play this one) 5. Torremolino (written Bob George, arranged by Tony Quarrington) At the end of this set, Tony Quarrington invited Melissa Stylianou and drummer Glenn Anderson to join him on stage to perform Moonglow. A most enjoyable set and a lovely conclusion to experience the delightful and honey toned vocal performance by Mellissa - can that girl sing! Top of Page We were now running about 20 minutes behind schedule, but just before we were ready for our last band, Anthony Terpstra was elected to get up on stage and present our MC, Doug Watson with an 11x17 framed picture of Bob George as a gesture of gratitude for his participation in the he event.  Doug tried to get Anthony to tell a few Bob George anecdotes, but for once the big guy was short on words and so we moved on to the program’s conclusion with The Dick Felix Quartet. This band featured Dick Felix on Bass; Dan Ionescu on Guitar; Jeff King on Sax and Mike McClelland on Drums. Their set list was comprised solely of Bob George compositions. 1..Sweeping Changes 2. Ravelesque 3. What is That 4. Torremolino It was lovely to hear more Bob George material - he sure was a wonderful composer. It was a really great set and was enjoyed by all. Their set completed the “official” part of the program and since we still had a little time left, it was possible to get a couple of guests up to play at the end. Top of Page Jack McCaffrey, Anthony Terpstra and also John O’Donahue pitched in to back up jazz violinist Ed Vokurka (old colleague of Bob’s) and bassist Alfred Gertler (long time friend of Bob’s) for a couple of numbers. It was a wonderful, magical day. It was a truly lovely tribute to a wonderful jazz performer/composer ...... I think Bob would have loved it.

Later that evening at the Rex, Bob’s good friend and colleague, Glenn Anderson, held the release for his new album “Swinging The Blues” which prominently features Bob George, and which was the last recording of Bob playing. (The CD is a really good listen and it’s great to hear Bob George’s sweet playing .....) Top of Page

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