(Review by Russell)
The
closing concert of the 2013 Gateshead International Jazz Festival brought
together two generations of improvising musicians. From Oxford ,
pianist Alexander Hawkins and from South Africa ,
drummer and elder statesman of the music Louis
Moholo-Moholo.
An opening support set featured three friends. Gateshead’s Andy Champion (double bass), Corey Mwamba (vibes) and Ntshuks Bonga (alto & soprano saxophones) first met and played together as a trio at the Bridge Hotel inNewcastle . To see them on
stage together at an established international festival confirmed their
individual and collective rising star status. Three improvised pieces developed
from the stillness. Mwamba breathed life into his instrument, Champion’s
fragile gossamer figures awaited their fate - a fate determined by Bonga’s
penetrating alto. Mwamba’s vibes erupted in fury, bass responded, bow drawn
then still once more. Louis
Moholo-Moholo, virtuoso musician and hero of the Anti Apartheid struggle,
met up with Alex Hawkins a few years
ago and they have developed a lasting creative partnership. The South African
is the senior partner in the relationship. The relentless drive from the traps
invigorated Hawkins’ brilliant performance at the Steinway. Shouts of
encouragement and audible expressions of joyful release from the drum master
added to the drama of it all. The duo maintained eye contact for long periods,
immersed in their music-making. A spontaneous, abrupt end came with
Moholo-Moholo declaring he had said everything he wanted to say. Then a change
of heart. He wanted to play on. They played on. A legendary figure of the music
on the banks of the Tyne . Who would have
thought it? Thanks Louis, thanks Alex. A gig to remember.
An opening support set featured three friends. Gateshead’s Andy Champion (double bass), Corey Mwamba (vibes) and Ntshuks Bonga (alto & soprano saxophones) first met and played together as a trio at the Bridge Hotel in
Russell.
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