Reis Demuth Wiltgen @ The Recital Room. October 15

 Michel Reis (piano), Marc Demuth (double bass) & Paul Wiltgen (drums) + Taube: Jamie Stockbridge (alto saxophone), Mike Parr-Burman (guitar) & Adam Stapleford (drums)

(Review by Russell/ Photos by Ken Drew.)

A piano trio led by Michel Reis or three musicians collaborating as equals? Reis, double bassist Marc Demuth (double bass) and drummer Paul Wiltgen contribute compositions to recording projects and their in-concert performances are all about

the collective, collaborative experience. 

The Luxembourgian three are schooled musicians; early years classical training, jazz competition entrants and college graduates (variously Luxembourg, Holland and America) and a globe-trotting schedule from their American (Big Apple) and European bases. The Recital Room in the music department of Newcastle University hosted the first north east appearance of the trio. The dedicated few turned out on the night the England football team’s World Cup qualifying hopes were played out on free-to-air television. Pianist Reis had the good fortune to have one of the department’s Steinways at his disposal. He made good use of it. Technique in abundance, allied to a clear ‘conception’ as the Americans would say, Reis’ approach was that heard in many a contemporary jazz piano trio; repetition, gradual development of motif, swing invoked sparingly. Melodic and percussive, the trio’s telepathic understanding clearly evident, a cinematic feel swept through several new compositions – No Stone Left Unturned to Marc Demuth’s Straight Circle – offering space for group improvisation. Bassist Demuth stood between Reis and Wiltgen regulating the pulse, to his left, Wiltgen’s drumming was of the highest order – tight, compact, blistering left hand no more than an inch above the snare all night. CD sales were many, the trio deserving of a higher profile in Britain. A festival appearance would do the trick – Sage Gateshead perhaps?

Earlier, three Newcastle University music students played for thirty five minutes (one through-composed piece) holding the attention of Jazz North East regulars. The opening salvo thrilled (Chris Sharkey would have approved!). Guitarist Mike Parr-Burman, playing a beautiful Gibson, went on the attack, for all of a couple of bars before settling into a groove, churning-out big chords, loud chords. Altoist Jamie Stockbridge bided his time, seeking an opening. He blew hard, he blew short phrases, battling to be heard. His Zorn-like brevity could, perhaps, have been adopted by the trio. Several shorter, varied pieces could have further showcased their undoubted talents. Drummer Adam Stapleford, a listening drummer, worked well with his fellow students and they are sure to be seen - and heard - on the scene in future. Watch out for the name – Taupe (not Taube!).      
Photos by Ken Drew.           

Russell