Getting Reel (-to-Reel) with Alex Bryson
KATE SHAW
The Alex Bryson trio is a jazz outfit made up of bassist Jeremy Brown, drummer Matt Fishwick, and, on keys, Bryson himself. Originally London-based, Alex has played internationally and worked with the likes of Grant Stewart and Christ Cheek. He’s a fluent and impressive pianist and has played from London’s Ronnie Scott’s to NYC and the Washington DCs Blues Alley. The trio’s first album was released early last year to great acclaim.
Alex Bryson (Right) with Vintage Reel-to-Reel
Dave Gelly, writing in The Observer earlier this year, was enthusiastic.”Flawless strength and delicacy breathe new life into jazz tunes in various styles, from the early 1930s to late 50s” he wrote, and continued “You’d have to think back a long way to name a jazz piano trio with a more impressive debut than this. Great rhythmic poise, total rapport among all three players and more than enough technique to make it all sound perfectly relaxed”. Alex has been performing in Hastings and St Leonards for some time, and has recently moved to live here permanently.
The trio have played regularly with Benoit Viellefon (French gypsy guitarist) and Mike Willis, and having played at Mike’s place on Norman Road earlier this year, they loved the atmosphere so much that they’ve decided to record their next album there. Having attended a couple of gigs there myself, I know what he means. The acoustics are great and the place has a cool yet cosy feel. There’s almost a sense of being part of the band and as the audience numbers are limited by the size of the space, adding to the intimacy.
The band will perform two shows and record them live. Alex remarks “It’s a great opportunity for us to record in the traditional way, all in one room and straight to tape, in front of a live crowd.” Having visited Mike and Alex to check out their basement recording studio, I can confirm that the reel-to-reel tape they’ll be using is a thing of retro beauty. On my way there, I bumped into Chris the postman, who said: “Have you heard that music coming from Mike’s? I just had to stop and listen.”
If you’d like to witness and be a part of their next recording, you can message Mike on 07908 370844 to reserve your spot. Tickets are £20 and it’s BYOB! Password is ‘Alex is a cool cat’! The Trio can be seen at Mike’s, 74 Norman Road on September 1 and 2 from 8pm
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