Nik Svarc (guitar), Scott Devine (electric bass) &
Dave Walsh (drums)
(Review by Russell)
Guitarist Nik Svarc played a trio gig at this year’s
Gateshead International Jazz Festival. On that occasion he worked with young
guns Martin Longhawn and Steve Hanley. This Jazz Café gig featured groove
meisters Scott Devine (bass) and Dave Walsh (drums). A select gathering –
including two first year music students – took their seats in time for a prompt
nine o’clock start.
At a glance Svarc could pass for a young Larry
Coryell. The seated Scott Devine looked uncannily like Scott Devine and there
was no mistaking the big presence known as Dave Walsh. Bemsha Swing opened the set; ‘groove’, ‘in the pocket’, ‘on it’,
such terms were made for this band. A tousled mop-top veiled Svarc’s face; head
down, ‘time’ and ‘feel’ elusive qualities for many, not for Svarc as he paused,
listened, notes selected with care. Devine and Walsh exchanged a smile, they
were ‘in the groove’.
Svarc utilised a deluxe pedal board, the various FX
deployed sparingly. Devine’s sound recalled Teen
Town Jaco. A Wayne Shorter number developed into an extended Scofield jam.
The north east’s guitarists should have been there – they weren’t, save for our
first year guitar student. Svarc let his guitar do the talking, at one point
introducing a tune as ‘something else’. And it was! Bass and drums bounced
around a few solos, always on it. The ‘caff’ welcomed some latecomers, they
were mucho impressed with what they were hearing. Did they know about Nik
Svarc? They do now! 2 extra photos from Mike Tilley.
Russell.
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