Moon - Marquee March 1976

 

Moon - Marquee March 1976.

by Pete Clemons

Yes!! This is going to be a good night ! prophesied Moon's lead warbler Noel McCalla to a packed Marquee early on in the proceedings. And sure enough, brothas n sistas, he did not tell a lie. In fact, from the moment they nosedived into the first number, Van Morrison's 'Moondance' (subtle eh), you rested easy that the set would be stylish, assured and ultra-tight.

Since their emergence on the London pub/club circuit two years ago, Moon have proved themselves to be ascendant over most of their beer-drinking musical buddies. They are very much a part of the sixties soul and R&B tradition but have spiced this up with a sizeable helping from the jazz world. Little wonder then that they should have chosen to open with that R&B jazz influenced Belfast cowboy.

The technical skill of this six man unit borders on the impeccable. The rhythm section, consisting of Graham Collyer (rhythm guitar), Ron Lawrence (bass) and Luigi Silvani (drums), provides a bedrock steady enough to prevent the leaning tower of Pisa from sinking any further.

The only criticism here is levelled at the drums. It would make for more variety if Luigi diluted his rigidly precise approach at times in favour of a more loose, suggestive style. Dougie Bainbridge (congas, flute and alto sax) together with the remarkable Nicky Payn (tenor sax and flute), whose dexterity equals and even surpasses that of Kokomo's revered Mel Collins, help join up and colour the dots laid down by the previously set of gentlemen.

In spite of a tendency to be jarringly frenetic, Loz Netto (lead guitar), is a fine soul exponent. Last but no means least, Noel McCalla sings with a range, control and sensitivity that has not been heard in British haunts for, dare I say, many moons.

After the good news, the less good. Though their crisp, meticulous arrangements speak of long dedicated rehearsals, they end up sounding too close to one another for comfort. More flexibility, more light and shade would probably have swung the Marquee audience sooner than actually happened (ie. In the last couple of numbers when ignition was finally made and we had lift-off).

As it was the arrangements were so smooth that it was difficult to maintain a foothold without sliding off. A pity, since their own compositions, which take up most of their act ('its getting better' is especially recommended) are strong. Also a more positive stage presence would not go amiss.

In particular Noel McCalla, a constant focal point, seems unsure whether or not to take the plunge and enlist in the Joe Cocker school of manic handshakes.

Still, a powerful, sinewy band more than worth checking out. Now with a CBS contract tucked up their instruments, keep your fingers crossed that they manage the transition to vinyl successfully - it can often be a dicey business.

Lone Ranger - Moon