Zoe Rahman (piano), Idris Rahman (clarinet), Kuljit Bhamra (tabla), Oli Hayhurst (double bass), Gene Calderazzo (drums).
The evening began with the Rahmans and Bhamra playing a Bengali folk song. This set the tone for the two-set performance (Rahman's current CD '' Where Rivers Meet '' is a paean to her and brother Idris' Bengali heritage). The second tune saw the introduction of the ever-excellent double-bassist Oli Hayhurst and, one tune later, the quintet was at full strength with American Gene Calderazzo ensconced behind his drum kit, clearly at ease with eastern rhythms and time signatures.
The folk tunes, often written and read as poetry, were interspersed with one of Abdullah Ibrahim's compositions (the South African's keyboard style is clearly evident in Zoe Rahman's playing) followed by a tune that could have been written by Billy Taylor.
The second set allowed for solo opportunities all round. Being the last night of the tour, the musicians were clearly enjoying the gig and playing at the top of their game - equally, the audience appeared to be enjoying the proceedings every bit as much.
The jazz content was high throughout and I would recommend hearing Zoe (and band) next time around.
The Rahmans' South Shields' appearance was thanks to a co-promotion between the Customs House and the Newcastle-based Pakistan Cultural Society.
Russell
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