Alister Spence (piano & keyboards), Raymond
MacDonald (alto & soprano saxophones), Joe Williamson (double bass) &
Chris Cantillo (drums) + Trevor Watts (alto & soprano saxophones) & Veryan Weston (piano)
Newcastle
The expectant crowd got in early knowing that an additional treat was in store. Veteran improvisers Trevor Watts and Veryan Weston renewed acquaintance in an enthralling one set performance. No sound check, no rehearsal, just a ‘let’s do it’ attitude. Master musicians, familiar with one another’s musical language, pieces developed intuitively, threading a linear cat and mouse chase into spontaneous composition. Their set was, deservedly, warmly received.
(Review by Russell)
The Lit and Phil
hosted a return visit by pianist Alister Spence. The Australian decided to
forsake a southern hemisphere summer for a British winter to tour once again
with his international quartet – Scot Raymond MacDonald, Canadian Joe
Williamson and from Sweden Chris Cantillo. Spence’s previous visit to The expectant crowd got in early knowing that an additional treat was in store. Veteran improvisers Trevor Watts and Veryan Weston renewed acquaintance in an enthralling one set performance. No sound check, no rehearsal, just a ‘let’s do it’ attitude. Master musicians, familiar with one another’s musical language, pieces developed intuitively, threading a linear cat and mouse chase into spontaneous composition. Their set was, deservedly, warmly received.
The Lit and Phil
had celebrated a birthday the previous day - 220 not out - and the forward
looking cultural institution should be congratulated for hosting, with no
little enthusiasm, contemporary jazz in an increasingly busy building. The
library and its rooms are booked weeks and months ahead with a wide range of
events, activities and gatherings - earlier in the day pianist Paul Edis
launched a new monthly lunchtime jazz gig with a tremendous turn-out to hear the
top-class Zoe Gilby Trio and the following night there is an all-night ghost
hunt! Each to their own, as they say.
So to Alister
Spence. Think Brubeck and the new generation - Mehldau, EST - add a little bit
of Spence (he isn’t afraid to fuse the acoustic with the electronic). Double
bassist Joe Williamson is the classic bass player – unperturbed with all that’s
going on around him and drummer Chris Cantillo is another new generation player
in possession of amazing technique - he will clatter when so inclined and then
give it the feather-light touch in the style of James Maddren (another star
performer heard at the Lit and Phil and elsewhere on Tyneside). The presence of
Raymond MacDonald is a real treat - amiable, unassuming and a first rate
musician. Composed, improvised, inside or out, MacDonald is your man. Spence’s
compositions tend to be reflective, thoughtful pieces with a slow burning fuse
and just occasionally there is an incendiary outburst rivalling the Sydney
Harbour New Year firework display and MacDonald is invariably the Guy Fawkes
villain/hero.
Sales of CDs all
but sold out (the same thing happened during Spence’s previous visit). The
concert was a Jazz North East promotion and their next one is next Wednesday
(13 February), once again at the Lit and Phil, featuring two rising stars of
the British scene; pianist Robert Mitchell and charismatic vibes man Corey
Mwamba. An intriguing aspect of this gig will be a solo set by Mitchell during
which he will play left hand only. You have to be good to attempt this in
public! The two-handed Mwamba will play vibes using four if not six mallets and
occasionally none! Get along to the gig - seeing and hearing is believing!
Russell
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