A UK exclusive appearance by Eric Boeren's free jazz group in Newcastle proved to be a resounding success. The ''House Full'' signs went up yet it didn't deter the masses. Fans chose to sit on the staircase to listen rather than be turned away. Seeing the musicians is a crucial component at any gig but I think it is particularly important in an improv context - witnessing the anticipation and spontaneity of the musicians as they react to the ''instant composition'' that is free jazz.
Jazz fans who like to discern a tune would, perhaps, have been pleasantly surprised, at least in part, at what was to be heard down by the riverside. The two-set performance was book-ended by Mingus-like numbers, propelled along by the great double bassist Wilbert de Joode. In between there was Ornette Coleman,not in person, but certainly in spirit. Boeren (trumpet and cornet) captured the essence of Ornette and in tandem with the larger than life figure of reeds (and ukulele) man Sean Bergin took off in other directions. The fourth member of the outfit, a quiet, witty man with the demeanour of an institutionalised civil servant (no offence meant to those at Longbenton, I did time there myself before winning parole) was German drum maestro Paul Lovens. He and de Joode instigated ideas every bit as much as the ''front line''-a somewhat redundant term in this most democratic, creative, visceral music.
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The next day, bleary eyed, it was time to move on up to the outskirts of town to participate in or simply listen to a workshop conducted by the Boeren Quartet. Newcastle University's Bennett Hogg kindly hosted the event.
Students duly arrived with instruments at the ready and despite snow flakes in the air and no heating in the institute of learning everyone was keen and willing. Two hours flew by and the students having listened and played were, I'm sure,wiser for the experience. It was nice to see familiar faces - Tenth Avenuers & the ubiquitous John Pope - at both the Friday night gig and at the Saturday morning workshop.
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Jazz North East's On the Outside programme continues in the somewhat grander location of the Sage as part of the Gateshead Jazz Festival. The date for your diary is Friday March 20. It is a double bill featuring John Coxon, Pat Thomas and Mark Sanders and a debut performance by ION. Three reasons to be there...1) it will be great, 2) if you ain't heard Pat Thomas you're in for a treat, 3) ION. The recently formed local Improvisers Orchestra of the North deserve every encouragement and support.
Russell
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