Matthew Kilner

...and in the second half, a tribute to the American jazz tenor sax virtuoso, Dexter Gordon by saxophonist Matthew Kilner with, I hesitate to say piano accompanist, but rather jazz partner Neil Birse. Dexter Gordon by saxophonist Matthew Kilner with, I hesitate to say piano accompanist, but rather jazz partner Neil Birse...Dexter Gordon, known in the jazz world as ‘Long Tall Dexter’ or sometimes as ‘Sophisticated Giant’ was very tall. It did not take long for Matthew Kilner to change the atmosphere in the Cowdray Hall to a dreamy jazz ambience with his initially breathy introduction to the jazz standard ‘I Guess I’ll Hang Mt Tears Out to Dry’ by Jule Styne (music) and Sammy Cahn (words) creators of so many other standards. Matthew’s easy flowing sax playing over a whole range of the instrument was hypnotically fascinating and as I have said, while Neil Birse provided a delicious backing he also gave us fantastic jazz solos too. ‘Cheesecake’ an original composition by Dexter Gordon was more upbeat. My good friend and jazz enthusiast Sandy Macdonald often complained when some classical players attempt jazz. ‘They don’t make it swing’ he said. Well both Matthew and Neil definitely made this music swing – and then some. The final piece was ‘Body and Soul’ not composed by Dexter Gordon but often performed by him. Matthew’s performance reminded me of a comment made by the character Bloody Mary in ‘South Pacific’ definitely ‘Saxy’. Well, since it was played on saxophone that comment could have two meanings. Get it? What a fantastic concert with which to launch 2020 don’t you think?