Tony Coe

LAST Monday's TCD Jazz Society presentation provided a rare treat - an acoustic trio gig. Tony Coe (tenor and clarinet), John Horler (piano) and Malcolm Creese (bass) provided a wonderful evening of standards and original compositions. The concert was notable throughout for the close rapport among the players, Horler, especially, proving not only a highly inventive soloist, but also a most sensitive accompanist. This particular group setting allowed the audience to hear every detail of the intricate, yet logical, lines that are a hallmark of Coe's playing, particularly on tenor.

The standards included Do Nothing `Til You Hear From Me, Body And Soul (with a majestic Horler solo), You Stepped Out Of A Dream (tenor and bass opening in a lovely controlled "two" feel), and Horler gave a breath taking intro to a very up tempo Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise, with a characteristic tenor solo from Coe and some brisk "walking" bass from Creese.

Other items included a little known piece, Blu Rose (lovely, expressive clarinet here), and two Coe originals - Edmundo, a modal piece with a latin feel, dedicated to Edmundo Ros, and Circular Tango. Another original, Waltz, by Horler, had a lovely rhapsodic intro and some exciting counterplay between Horler and Coe. An amazing opening cadenza by Creese led into a quirky Horler blues, Blue Jersey, where all three players grooved to a satisfying end to the evening. The sound was excellent and the venue proved eminently suitable for the music.