Lucas Dodd Quartet

30/7/06 Goodfellowship Inn, Cottingham Road, Hull by Ron Burnett

main picture by Kerry Harrison

16-year-old Lucas Dodd hit the stage bang on time, the band in smooth dark suits, and counted in Nat Adderley`s Worksong.

His bright Art Pepper-ish alto saxophone bustled through the chord changes in a business-like way, the audience transfixed by the poise and assurance of one so young.

The pedigrees of the immaculate backing trio, Phil Steele (drums), Adrian Knowles (bass) and Leeds College lecturer Graham Hearn (piano), did not overawe our plucky young saxophonist. Under their sympathetic accompaniment Lucas emerged as a confident player, showing great potential.

Lucas has adopted the helpful ploy of adding composer credits as he announced each piece and on Bob Haggart`s What`s New he employed a beautifully controlled slow vibrato in his statement of the tune. His barnstorming, closing cadenzas were evidence of scrupulous practise, to say nothing of his steely nerve in performance.

When a slight stumble did occur - Lucas missed a cue during a series of fast four-bar chase choruses, he quickly regained his authority with a relaxed nod and a smile. All credit to the supporting trio and their solos, with a particularly resonant bass solo from Adrian Knowles on Dizzy Gillespie`s Con Alma.

As the Lucas Dodds Quartet session drew to its close, it suddenly became obvious that on a steaming hot day the air conditioning had been set at CRYONIC, only the heat of the music saving our brain cells from freezing as we sat. A word with the friendly bar staff restored the ambience from arctic to our customary warm temporate.

Some final thoughts

Lucas Dodd started the saxophone at eight years old and his playing has reached startling levels for one so young. His on-stage announcements were clear and confident and as he gathers further experience and develops his individual voice he can look forward to a bright future. He plans to study in the USA in 2008.

Ron Burnett
Jazz Correspondent, Evening Press, York