Dave Gordon, Jazz and Classical Pianist, Warwick Arts Centre, 13 June, 2024.

Annual visits by the gifted jazz eccentric Dave Gordon at Warwick Arts Centre seldom fails to attract a full house at the Music Centre.  Sold out signs were up weeks before the event; in recognition of this, the event was moved to the Helen Martin Studio. Sadly, the very late arrival of a party of school children delayed the start by 12 minutes. and with an enforced early finish, too, due to the next room-booking arrival, the feeling of being short-changed was no surprise. Gordon’s strong university following enjoys the exploration of his own compositions and the clever interpretations of  works by composers he admires. His heroes include the Argentinian tango composer Horacio Adolfo Salgán, a contemporary of Astor Piazolla. Gordon’s interpretation of Salgán’s “Enchanted Forest”, followed quickly by Gordon’s own version of American Bud Powell’s “Parisian Thoroughfare” retitled “Fairly Thorough Parisian” displayed the most exciting top hand playing during an  invigorating tribute to heroes.

Continuing the Paris theme, Gordon chose Gabriel Fauré to demonstrate his enormous talent in depicting composer’s feelings via his thrilling interptetations.  Spirited playing of “Chanson d’Amour” and the contemplative “Après un Rêve” predceeded one of his own favoured compositions “Jazz Thing” before another classical composer, William Byrd was given the Gordon treatment with a celebration of  his death 400 years ago. Having  researched Byrd’s works to discover a collection of patterns, Gordon used the evidence to create an intriguing piece.

Although best known for his work with his trio, Gordon is now a regular face with Orchestra of the Swan, features frequently with the London Tango Quartet and makes a Proms appearance at the Glasshouse (formerly Sage) in Gateshead in late July. Many welcome his somewhat eccentric approach to his work; however, there can be no doubt his technique and creative talents are worthy of the annual visits to Warwick Arts Centre; just a shame we didn’t hear the full playlist.  Perhaps next time!