Ken Vandermark Trio @ The Cluny. 25 September

Ken Vandermark (tenor & baritone saxophones, clarinet), Olie Brice (double bass) & Mark Sanders (drums)
Jazz North East and Schmazz pooled meagre resources to bring Ken Vandermark to town. The Chicagoan had visited Tyneside on several occasions and this most recent visit came about through the efforts of bassist Olie Brice to put together a few dates to make it worth while crossing the Atlantic. 

The turn-out at the Cluny was encouraging including a smattering of students keen to hear the American free jazz reeds maestro. Vandermark played tenor and baritone (perhaps having the edge on tenor) and some impressive high-register clarinet. The set with the British bass and drums pairing of Olie Brice and Mark Sanders worked as well as any Vandermark combination previously heard on Tyneside. 

A cast iron technique enabled the American to immerse himself in the music-making. Full throttle tenor and circular breathing clarinet playing drew considerable applause from a most attentive audience. Bassist Olie Brice created infinite figures and drummer Mark Sanders produced perhaps his finest  performance (of many) on Tyneside. 

Next month at the Cluny (Tuesday 30 October) Schmazz presents the superb trio Watson Walker Edis (Lewis Watson – reeds, Rob Walker – drums and Paul Edis – keyboards).

Russell