Blacktop: Pat Thomas (keyboards & electronics), Orphy Robinson (marimba) & Steve Williamson (tenor & soprano saxophones.)
Spelk: Chris Sharkey (guitar), Andy Champion (electric bass) & Adrian Tilbrook (drums)
The Sage in association with Jazz North East presented the final event of the 2012 festival and as has become tradition, the free jazz/improv end of the jazz spectrum took centre stage. Two trios – Blacktop and Spelk – played to a well attended hall.
The benchmark was set by Spelk. Performances by the trio are few and far between. One suspects that, by design, there is little preparation with a ‘let’s go for it’ approach. Bassist Andy Champion and drummer Adrian Tilbrook, key figures on the regional scene, linked-up with Gateshead born Chris Sharkey (guitar) and it was as though they had been touring relentlessly for weeks on end. They were at it from the off. Champion’s killer electric bass riffs rattled around the room, Tilbrook’s bass drum pedals pushed to breaking point as Sharkey shot from the hip, balancing a-top pedals, writhing, pulling the trigger with sharp-shooter swagger. It is never just a gig with Spelk, it is an event, an occasion. Wherever they surface next be there and be prepared to take cover.
Blacktop is another occasional happening. The prodigiously talented Pat Thomas and Orphy Robinson have worked together over the years whilst saxophonist Steve Williamson has once more become an increasingly visible figure on the scene. His days with the Jazz Warriors brought him to the attention of a wider jazz public before going off to explore other (12 inch) grooves. A natural chemistry in the world of improv can be allusive and the inventive Thomas took command, eager to instigate a change of direction during the one hour performance. Robinson and Williamson offered repeated motifs which were frequently and abruptly interrupted by Thomas’ arresting laptop contributions.
Russell.
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