Feature ArticleAugust 15, 2001
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Softwinds at St. JamesBy Jeff GreenSoftwinds is a six-piece ensemble that is weighted towards the clarinet. At times five of the six members play clarinet (Don McCallum, Ron Gilbertson, Ed Thompson, Stan Segel, and Russ Patterson on the saxophone-like bass clarinet), while the sixth band member, Brian Brick, always keeps a steady hand on the piano.
The group plays a mix of classical and jazz repertoire, always with a jazz sensibility. Before almost every tune, they extol each other to play not too slowly.
They rarely suffered from draggy playing, however, and their timing, even on complicated three and four part arrangements, is admirable. These guys play because they enjoy themselves and they enjoy each others company as well.
Two of the band members played flute on most tunes, and at the beginning of the second half of the concert, a saxophone quartet was formed, with soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes wailing away.
Then it was back to the good stuff, according to band leader Don McCallum, in a return to a three clarinet, two flute, and keyboard group to finish off the evening.
The Softwinds is a bit of a misnomer, it suggests some tame playing, but these guys were very strong and rhythmical, equally adept at either a Handel Clarinet quintet or A Sunny Side of the Street. Attendance was down a bit from other summer concerts this season, probably because it took place during the worst of the heatwave, which is unfortunate because the concert was among the best of the summer.
The final two concerts of the season feature the Sweet Adelines on August 15, today for some readers and yesterday for others, and on August 22, the not to be missed string quartet, also from Kingston, Quintessence. Admission is $5.00 and the concerts begin at 7:30.
