The Jazz on Red session with bassist Chadleigh Gowar had a vibrant crowd entranced, says KAT MANNE in her review:
Accomplished bassist, composer and producer Chadleigh Gowar has played alongside the likes of Ernie Smith, Bianca le Grange, Gift Gwe, Brandon October and Melanie Scholtz to name a few. Chadleigh opened the Jazz on Red evening this past weekend alongside Craig Allan Van Willingh, Ricky Van Der Horst, Brandon George, Christian Martins and Dustin Julius at the Radisson Red Hotel.
It’s always a wonder climbing the colourful stairwells at the silo district especially at twilight with a backdrop of a darkening mountain against a moody blue sky – unless of course, you’re late. Even in my haste to follow the directions on the red step in my wake, I had to pause at the sight of the red light emanating across the asphalt. The doorway was glowing. This was entrance to Jazz on Red. From one doorman to another and past a busy kitchen, I entered the eclectic Oui Bar to meet a vibrant crowd entranced by the talented and light-hearted bassist, Chadleigh Gowar.
Chadleigh’s modish yellow shirt and chic glasses can’t disguise his easy-going manner. Where the rest of the band seem somewhat serious apart from the occasional wry smile at the bass player’s commentary, Chadleigh indulges in his own authenticity. A wholesome quality well-suited to the atmosphere at Jazz on Red.
Although, seemingly comfortable in the spotlight, Chadleigh doesn’t forget his bandmates, constantly referring to them between songs and dad jokes. Along with shout-outs to his band, Chadleigh also uses his humour to acknowledge experienced bass players in the crowd, referring to himself (humbly, perhaps) as number three.
A fine set
We’re treated to renditions of some of his favourite local music as well as Chadleigh’s own moving pieces, some creatively titled Welcome Back, Dustin 1 and 2 – if I recall correctly – and if you’ve struggled to spot Dustin, his name is on his guitar. The dynamics of the band are interesting to observe. Beyond their organic energy and upon closer inspection, there is a synchronicity quite aligned with the essence of jazz in a coy nod from Chadleigh to dearest Dustin and a brief look of alarm before performing a solo that sounds as clean as it is refreshing. I’m sure that wasn’t planned – or perhaps it was showmanship. This theme courses through the evening as a spirited Heinrich Frans grabs the mic to serenade the crowd with his golden voice to the delight of the audience and the band.
Chadleigh loves storytelling and before sliding into the next number, he tells a wholesome tale of his wife asking where the lyrics are for the song he had written for her – a light poke at the instrumentalist, no doubt. After a beautiful performance of this song, we’re asked to stand and dance. Now, I’m not one to turn down a good dance but with an intimate gathering and numbered tables occupying the floor, I thought it might be a bit awkward. Well, I was mistaken. Chadleigh and his mates picked up the pace and the crowd started to groove. At this point Chadleigh leaves the stage allowing the rest of band to deliver a tight end to a fine set.
WS
