"Squire For Hire" is one of my favourite contemporary Jazz albums. In contrast, I found his last two recordings - "Right Now" and "Heaven And Earth" a bit cold, abstract and impenetrable. Playing a solid two hour set comprising numbers from both these albums Nathan and his superbly competent lineup made the music come alive. Jazz is notoriously hard to record, relying as it does on the vibe and buzz at any given moment to inform and drive both musicians and the music. The vibe was good, Nathan and his crew were buzzing, and the result was one of the best gigs - of any genre - I've ever had the pleasure of attending.
I'm sure the venue helped, too, providing a laid back and convivial atmosphere. My first time at Leigh Sawmill but I'll be back. It's a pity Nathan Haines will be such a hard act to follow.