(Review by Russell)
Soweto Kinch arrived at the
Gateshead International Jazz Festival with a story to tell - the Legend of Mike Smith. Our eponymous hero
is an aspiring MC and on his journey to wherever (Dante’s Inferno perhaps) he encounters/experiences the Seven Deadly
Sins.
Kinch played alto sax to die for,
tenor too and entertained hugely with his observational, politically incisive
rap lyrics. Drummer Shaney Forbes was the perfect fit for the bandleader’s
musical vision; of the generation, complete musical vocabulary, immense left
hand snare (a blur!). Bassist Nick Jurd had it down on five string electric
and double bass. How did one so young know? Kinch took full advantage of the
trio format to improvise a lyric - political, knowing, humourous. Tunes were
drawn from the new CD The Legend of Mike
Smith. A rap number alternated with
an instrumental, the narrative thread focused the attention, the audience
followed willingly this Pied Piper of contemporary jazz. Highlights were many,
to choose one or two - Kinch’s party piece rapping freestyle with audience
participation (amazing instant composition!), a brilliant swing section and a
blistering Traffic Lights had
everything. The finale had to be The
Healing. A wonderful start to the festival.
Russell.
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