SHIVER
Chris Sharkey (guitar); Andy Champion (electric bass); Joost Hendrickx
(drums).
(Review/photos courtesy of Ken Drew)
What can I say? We’ve seen Shiver in various locations so we know
their style, we know what to expect. Or rather, we thought we knew what to
expect - would anything be different for a ‘Splinter’ session?
Overall, it began with what appeared to be a slow-burning fuse which
gave time for the audience to witness and relish the construction of the
multi-layered soundscape which was slowly unfolding in complexity and power.
Bass loops, guitar loops, with adjustments to both yet fully
supported throughout by Hendrickx’s own rhythms perfectly complementing the
guitar and bass riffs and rhythms.
Then onto a meandering bass line from Champion, with Sharkey playing a
simple melody on a small keyboard nicely enhanced by various effects yet still
with the drums evident and constantly busy. No effects for Hendrickx –
mallets, sticks and manual dexterity were used to great effect. A
relatively quiet passage, quite peaceful – but consistent with the evolving
soundscape throughout. This was a well disguised segue which took us through
the more familiar Shiver territory through further development of the
multi-layered sounds they had laid out before us, building to an almighty
crescendo resulting from the furious energy which the trio had been holding in
reserve.
We knew what to expect – and they delivered!! The two segued
pieces were expertly delivered in a familiar style, but still a unique
performance nonetheless. We had witnessed and thoroughly enjoyed an
awesome sonic powerhouse in action – and loved every second!!
D’Silva, Pope & Alderson
The double bill opened with a band who are fresh on the scene. D’Silva’s first performance for Jazz North East on Tyneside, and meeting Alderson for the first time during the sound check. That’s a NEW band playing Improv at its freshest. Expectations were based on their individual talents – so how would the ensemble gel in just one set? The first piece was generally quiet with occasional outbursts. The next, extended piece, took time to explore various rhythms & interplay among the band. A final shorter piece was loud and expressive i.e. dynamic! Full of statements with the band members playing as if they had all been here and played before. Overall, very energetic with melodic and thoughtful passages from D’Silva. Often driven by the bass, usually rhythmic yet sometimes percussive (not exactly bass-slap) but always supporting and often pushing to explore new areas – quite a driving force! Alderson’s contribution was consistently evident, again thoughtful passages demonstrated the close interplay within the trio. Overall a varied 3 pieces, nicely contrasting, and cohesive throughout. A line-up that works, and works really well!
Photos.
Ken Drew
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