Jason Yarde (alt/sop), Andrew McCormack (pno) / Robert Mitchell (pno), Omar Puente (vln/vcl).
A double duo bill that was somewhat different and quite unique inasmuch as it was a one off Jazz North East coup.
Both duos pursued their own furrows that wandered back and forth into Free, Neo-classical, improv often in the course of the same piece. Apart from Something's Coming from West Side Story and a brief snatch of Bach's Violin Concerto in D Minor both duos performed original material that gave grounds for majestic soprano playing and breath-taking alto from Jason. Andrew began with some piano string plucking fripperies before he got down to business at the keyboard. One could say 'this is a fine way to treat a Steinway' except the piano at Gateshead Old Town Hall is a Yamaha grand.
It was a good opening set.
Omar played power violin and, despite his initial grim visage, we found it belied the humour in his playing.
Robert didn't quite unleash the fire he ignited at Live Theatre or Cluny but, nevertheless, he did enough to let us know he is master of all he surveys piano-wise.
Overall though I think Omar got the nod tonight even if only because he enticed - nay ordered - the audience to their feet and had them clapping along in time (more or less) on the finale - a familiar sounding piece.
An interesting experiment.
Lance.
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