(Review by
Steve H./Photo courtesy of Ken Drew.)
When I first heard about this Decatet playing at the Splinter
gig I was concerned that the band members might outnumber the audience. I
needn’t have worried one of the percussionists (Steve Dinsdale) had to drop out
(eaten on the way up according Martin Archer) so now reduced to a nontet the
numbers were once again in favour of the audience. As it happens a more than
reasonable sized crowd were treated to a memorable gig. Those risk adverse jazz
fans who stayed away missed out on one of the most enjoyable and creative gigs
of the year.
Band leader Archer appears to be a musical cross between Clive Anderson and Alan Carr. In addition to his multi reed playing he composed, cajoled, conducted, cavorted and chanted throughout the evening.
The ensemble kicked off with Junko
Heart Bad Time from Slackwater described
by Archer as a medley of everything we have ever played and what a joy it was
too - vibrant, flamboyant and featuring plenty of melodies for those who like
to have a tune with their jazz. Band leader Archer appears to be a musical cross between Clive Anderson and Alan Carr. In addition to his multi reed playing he composed, cajoled, conducted, cavorted and chanted throughout the evening.
Although everyone in the Nontet made an outstanding
contribution a special mention has to go to Watt Shaw on percussion who made up
for the absence of Steve Dinsdale with an octopus like performance of animated
percussion . The first set concluded with Satin
Lantern a short piece
introduced by Archer as a ‘Salsa’; members of the audience were invited
to dance with the band leader but sadly no one took him up on his offer.
After the interval the band performed its most
complex piece You Will Never Know
me which was conceived in 3
separate units, the first Section comprising bass, piano and vibes, the
second reeds and violin and the third percussion. The piece felt almost
Classical in a Bartokian way and it would be unfair to single out any performer
such was the sheer class of all involved. At the piece’s conclusion
Archer suggested that it could have been renamed We will never know it! The
evening concluded with a cover of ‘Hard
Blues’ which was simply magnificent – upbeat, uptempo, uplifting and
a duet between Archer on Soprano and Mwamba on vibes was absolutely
mesmerising. A wonderfully entertained audience snaked its way down the
Bridge staircase and onto Castle Garth still buzzing with excitement and
admiration for what they had just experienced.
Steve H.
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