Music / free jazz
The week in Jazz February 5-11 2018
It’s always worth keeping an eye on saxophonist Gilad Atzmon because you never know what’s coming next. Having first appeared in the UK with his Middle-Eastern flavoured Orient House Ensemble he has produced tributes to his heroes John Coltrane and Charlie Parker (the latter with strings), the schmaltzy function band of Artie Fischel, his dour bebop duo with Alan Barnes and, of course, become a funky Blockhead. Talinka (Hen and Chicken, Sunday 11) is another thing altogether, a vocal project based on the music of his singer/songwriter wife Tali Atzmon. As well as Yaron Stavi’s bass the quartet includes baroque musician Jenny Bliss playing viol da gamba while Gilad moves between soprano sax, bass clarinet and accordion. It’s a soulful, acoustic project, the musical textures enhancing Tali’s voice and words as almost theatrical pieces.
Christine Tobin (picture by Brian O’Connor)
A more familiar voice headlines in The Lantern (Wednesday 7) when Christine Tobin brings her settings of award-winning Irish poet Paul Muldoon’s verse, assisted by Partisans guitarist Phil Robson and bass player Peter Brendler. Christine’s versatility as a vocalist ensures a programme of varied delights, while the interplay of guitar and bass is empathetically suited to the rich imaginings of Muldoon’s words. There’s a support slot from Gary Alesbrook’s nu-soul jazz outfit Duval Project (who boast their own impressive singer in Marie Lister) and, if you want a longer taste of their sounds, you can catch them the next night (Thursday 8) at Future Inn.
Ben Waghorn blasting back to the Bebop
It’s great to see the return of The Music of Pat Metheny to The Fringe (Wednesday 7). This project debuted at the venue last year, with guitarist Matt Hopkins and bass player Will Harris putting together a riveting set of Mr Metheny’s music, abetted by Dave Newton’s piano, John Pearce on violin and Mark Whitlam drumming. Metheny’s lyrically melodic tunes were convincingly brought to life and the capacity audience was delighted throughout, so tickets will no doubt be in short supply on the night. It’s equally good to anticipate the arrival of the Ben Waghorn Quartet at the Bebop (Friday 9), a rare chance to see the in-demand sax player leading a project on his home turf. To mark the occasion he’s written new material as well as ripping into a few classic tunes, with Partisans bass player Thad Kelly joining Jim Blomfield (piano) and Andy Hague (drums) in a top notch rhythm section.
is needed now More than ever
The Fringe Free crowd with Mark Langford (second from left)
In a week that begins with the monthly Fringe Free session (The Fringe, Monday 5) there are another two improvisational gigs for fans of the free. Friday night (9) at Cafe Kino sees Fringe regulars the ALT Trio top a triple bill that also includes the splendid neo-classical textures of Halftone and the fearless new generation quartet Foster/Grigg/Papaioannou/Sneddon, while Saturday afternoon at The Exchange offers the chance to avoid the rugby in the company of Howl (aka Reality Sandwiches) – a ‘poetry and improvised music matinee mash-up’. It’s busy week for Mark Langford, then, who will be appearing at all three gigs in one form or another.
Global experimenters Snazzback in the laboratory
The highly rhythmic Snazzback have been catching ears for a couple of years with Latin and funk flavoured acoustic jazz but now they’re embarking on a Global Groove Experiment, exploring different musical traditions. They will reveal Episode 1 – The Caribbean at The Gallimaufry (Tuesday 6) with more to follow, no doubt. What is certain to follow them is jazz/funk trio Prudent Primate who will be the guests at singer Ruth Royall’s regular Gallimaufry showcase on Thursday (8).
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