GIJF Day Two - Joshua Redman Trio

Joshua Redman (ten/sop); Reuben Rogers (bs); Greg Hutchinson (dms).
(Review by Lance).

Hall Two was three tiers full begging the question - where are these people the rest of the year? Certainly not at The Globe, Jazz Café, The Bridge or other 'jazz joints' where events are free or minimally priced - strange...

This one extended set by Redman and Co was, for me, a highlight. Tenor playing of the first order. With bass and drums, who didn't need a piano to fill out the rhythm section, the music delighted from the unusual re-working of The Surrey With the Fringe On Top to the final blistering belter the name of which  escapes me (my pen had run out of ink!)

In between we heard some lush ballad playing on Never Let Me Go as well as a few originals that hit the spot. Whether on tenor or soprano Redman has 'the sound', surprisingly closer to the mainstream than his late father Dewey Redman, Joshua embodies much of the lyricism of the older school which he molds into a more contemporary format to make him very much the man for today.

Rogers shouldered the load of map reader with ease, laying down the harmonic foundation for the leade'rs masterful display. On drums, Hutchinson too was a tower of strength, driving with the pedal pressed to the floor as well as cooling things down when cool was called for.

But, brilliant as each individual was, it was the moments of interplay between them where the magic really struck.

Only complaint - should have been two shorter sets!

When Joshua Redman played here in 2009, the late JNE supremo Chris Yates voted it the Gig of the Year. If dear Chris had still been  with us I think he'd have short-listed this one as well.

Lance.