Matthew Bourne - Christophe de Bezenac + Spelk @ The Bridge. December 20th.

Matthew Bourne (keyboards) & Christophe de Bezenac (alto saxophone) + Spelk: Chris Sharkey (guitar), Andy Champion (electric bass) & Adrian Tilbrook (drums). Splinter @ The Bridge offered another double bill last night in the form of local heroes Spelk and from Leeds the improvising duo of Bourne and de Bezenac.

Spelk played the first set to a less than full house; perhaps the close proximity to Christmas and the inclement weather deterred some from venturing into town.

Adrian Tilbrook uses a larger than usual kit set-up in this power trio allowing him to meet all eventualities and respond to the musical ideas thrust at him by bassist Champion and guitarist Sharkey.

Andy Champion clearly enjoys this sort of stuff, laying down massive dub-like beats, Tilbrook locks onto the vibe and Sharkey shimmers and shines brightly (the man is a star). This is music of high intensity, demanding intense concentration from all three participants and audience alike. The music is loud and good fun. Yes - good fun! And why not ? I am a paid-up member of the Jazz Police but if you don't like Spelk then close the door, put your slippers on and listen to your Acker Bilk CDs.

The second set by the Leeds based duo of Bourne and de Bezenac emerged as a late contender for gig of the year. Bourne has a background in contemporary classical composition and de Bezenac studied at the Strasbourg Conservatoire and has subsequently worked with compatriot Marc Ducret (guitarist Ducret was on Tyneside in October to take part in the On the Outside Festival), Chicagoan Ken Vandermark (another name known to local gig - goers and soon to be heard again at the Sage in January) and others. Bourne ranged from Keith Jarrett in neo-classical mode to Cecil Taylor by way of stride-like patterns to Bourne himself. Altoist de Bezenac, a member of the sensational trio VD, is a masterful player with a percussive approach infused with squeaks and squawks, his saxophone bickering with and challenging Bourne's keyboard.

A dazzling, virtuosic dialogue ensued between the two. The visual element enhanced the performance; as with much improvisation seeing as well as hearing is an important aspect of the occasion. A third and final set united all five musicians in a magical noise fest. The boys had retired to the bar so it was left to Adrian Tilbrook to get the show on the road. One by one the others joined him on stage. Champion and de Bezenac decided to blow the roof of the place, Bourne capitulated and took the same route. Sharkey, a Nosferatu-like presence, wearing an amused countenance, wound up and unleashed metal mayhem. The sustained, screaming cachophony was quite thrilling.

Gig of the year anyone?

Splinter @ The Bridge reconvenes in January with a co-promotion with Jazz North East presenting the wonderful Paul Edis Sextet on Sunday 17th January, 7.30.p.m.. Russell