Eric Boeren Quartet - Encore by Roly Veitch

Russell’s review is spot on. This gig had the feel good factor from the first number. A packed room full of eager anticipation, audience practically on top of the band (who played mostly seated) creating an intimate ambience, plenty smiling faces, musicians who obviously enjoyed and respected each other’s playing and music played with intensity, feeling but also a sense of fun.

All the players undertake all roles. Each member listens intently, reacts instantly and also functions as a catalyst for new ideas. So at any one moment it might be bassist de Joode setting up an ostinato bass riff, or drummer Lovens creating a rhythmic groove, or Boeren or Bergin setting up a rhythmic or melodic figure. No matter what the ‘prompt’ the others pick it up immediately and develop/explore the idea till just the right moment to move in a different direction. Each provides selfless support – be that rhythmic, melodic, or just laying out.

Every possible combination is a possibility at any phase in the development. High intensity episodes would come to a sudden halt and metamorphose into periods of lyricism. A particularly beautiful example was Boeren’s unaccompanied trumpet (cornet?) episode in the second set where he explored pure melody, with a gorgeous breathy tone – you could hear a pin drop. Sure enough the others came back in at just the right moment and the whole thing moved on to a new phase.

It would be unfair to single out anyone – four great players all contributing 100% to the benefit of the music. A great concert to a very appreciative audience finishing with a very deserved standing ovation and encore. One to remember!

Roly