One for Benny

Hospitalfield House, Arbroath, August 31

Pianist Euan Stevenson brings one of the hits of this year’s Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival to Arbroath when the quartet he co-leads with clarinettist Tom Gibbs presents One for Benny as part of Jazz at Hospitalfield.

One for Benny was one of several well-received performances Euan was involved in during the festival. His New Focus Duo, with Scottish National Jazz Orchestra saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski, earned a five-star review for its Classical Connection portrayal of jazz and classical music’s common ground.

Euan was also central to singer Georgia Cecile’s success in her double bill with fellow singer Jacqui Dankworth, and the One for Benny rhythm section – Euan, bassist Andrew Robb and drummer Tom Gordon – earned praise from popular New York vocal trio Duchess for their accompaniment.

Although it’s inspired by the King of Swing, clarinettist and band leader Benny Goodman, Euan is keen to point out that One for Benny isn’t strictly a tribute show.

“Tom and I were just talking generally one day when we discovered that we both liked Benny Goodman’s music,” says Euan.

“Tom is better known as a pianist, and a very good one, but he played clarinet at school and wanted to find a way of getting back into playing it. Benny Goodman seemed the obvious example to follow.”

The quartet plays Goodman favourites including Puttin’ on the Ritz and Sing Sing Sing and having Tom Gordon, who is the regular drummer with the BBC Big Band, with them, they can celebrate the swing era.

There are original pieces by Euan and Tom Gibbs, who are both highly regarded composers, in the quartet’s repertoire, too, however.

“I thought it would be an interesting challenge to try to write in the swing idiom,” says Euan.

“It’s certainly a challenge to follow in the footsteps of Benny Goodman’s small groups.

“His orchestra was one of the most popular big bands in the 1930s but when I listened to his trio with Gene Krupa on drums and Teddy Wilson on piano, I was completely blown away.”

The Jazz at Hospitalfield concert will mark a quick return to the arts centre and historic house on the outskirts of Arbroath for Euan as earlier this month, he and his New Focus partner, Konrad Wiszniewski, took part in one of Hospitalfield’s artistic residencies.

“I’ve visited it before to play gigs,” says Euan, “but getting to spend time there was a great experience.

“It’s a beautiful location and we came away feeling rejuvenated.”

Pianist Euan Stevenson.