The show began, while some guests were still runnig to their seats. With which other song could Dave McMurray start than with "London Nights", a tune from his album "Soul Searching". The live version was far more aggressive than the studio version. Dave run along the stage like a wild tiger, while Wayne Gerard played his distortion guitar solo.

Another great song was "Cruisin' To The P.M.", on which Dave plays an awesome soprano sax walking around the stage with swaying steps. After a run through the melody, Dave began a funky solo with some passionate blowing up and down the range of his instrument. The applause of the audience was inevitable and well-earned.

A smooth highlight was "Let It Go" featuring Herschel Boone's impressing voice.

After one hour Bob James joined the performance. It was a special moment when he appeared onstage. People sat forward or stood up, many applauded just for his appearance. Yes, it was really him - the long awaited godfather of contemporary jazz. He immediately took the lead conducting the band and counting them in. Everyone was following very respectfully, Dave included. "My Brother and Me", "Nautilus", "Westchester Lady" and "Angela" were tunes he played with the band.

Indeed, "Nautilus" is a well-know tune Bob James first played in on his album called "One", a very underestimated album. Read for example Scott Yanow's comment at All Music Guide. Dave brought this tune into the spotlight again releasing a modern cover version of "Nautilus" on his album "Soul Searching". It was funny to see Bob standing up and sitting down, constantly changing between his piano and his keyboards, he is an absolute master of his instruments.

His laid-back style, his effortless playing is outstanding. Bob James, Dave McMurray and Wayne Gerard are often playing together, the interplay between all musicians was mature and relaxed. The last tune the attentive audience could soack up was the probably most famous tune, Bob ever played: "Angela". Dave played flute and saxophone surpassing the original in an impressing way. We would have listen for another hour, but then the whole show would have gone way over schedule. Today, as I write this review, Bob James and Dave McMurray are playing in Texas. Some days before this event Dave was in Germany for three gigs with another group. As you see, he is a very in-demand musician.

 

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