(Review by Ken Drew/photos to follow)
In Love With – Théo Ceccaldi (Violin); Valentin Ceccaldi (Cello;
Sylvain Darrifourcq (Drums).
Straight in with a repetitive driving rhythm from Valentin leading
to multiple crescendos interspersed with freestyle playing. With very
thoughtful and explosive passages – and such dynamic interplay!! There
were long spans of repetitive but intriguing rhythms, like a well-tempered
whirring clock unwinding, always precise and developing with a slowly
increasing intensity. At various points sounds were almost frozen in time –
certainly they were hanging in the air. It was like listening to music
concrète performed live, and many sections wouldn’t be out of place as a film
soundtrack.
Constantly supported by percussion which was mostly but
not entirely the sole domain of the drums with Sylvain augmenting his drum
kit with an assortment of devices including bells, kitchen timer, and a
zither which itself had various tonal attachments. A rather sudden and
brief ending closed the piece, but nicely brought together by the band. The
audience were captivated by the intense playing – giving the trio a standing
ovation at the end!!!!
Liaisons Dangerouse - Xavier Camarasa (piano); Andy Champion (Bass); Guillaume Aknine (Guitar); Corey
Mwamba (Vibes).
Taking a few minutes to establish each player’s credentials with solos
exploring new ground, but with constant attention and backing from the other
players. There was much percussive output from each player - Xavier
playing inside the piano (with felt mallets) and outside (the keys), and guitar
adding atmosphere with processed guitar sounds and extensive use of bottleneck
(used normally, percussively and scrapingly). Andy demonstrated his
improve versatility with the double bass (playing, plucking and bowing
including the use of a felt mallet at one point) with Corey more subtle than
voluminous in his thoughtful playing of the vibes (including the use of a
bungee in place of mallets although it didn’t seem to stretch the notes!) thus
fitting in well with the overall meandering soundscape. This was all about
sonority and interplay, although background rhythms were often in evidence too.
Théo Ceccaldi Trio - Théo Ceccaldi (Violin); Guillaume Aknine
(Guitar); Valentin Ceccaldi (Cello)
An unusual mix of instruments to say the least but like the previous set
it was all about the band listening and developing (through improvisation) the
overall sound. Rhythms came and went – each member seemingly in
charge as they took up the lead. Valentin gave his all from quiet
passages to manic bowing, and Théo was on fire too at various points throughout.
Guillaume came to the fore at the end with an almost traditional use of the
electric guitar – ably supported by Théo and Valentin, producing an overall
complex sound with a strong rock-like rhythm. What a journey
this piece was. Théo the maestro on violin!!!
Garibaldi Plop - Roberto Negro (Piano) representing the Italian
component; Valentin Ceccaldi (Cello); Sylvain Darrifourcq (Drums).
Starting with a very gentle piano introduction by Roberto there was
very thoughtful playing employing some interesting techniques and devices on
the piano – including several well placed runs through all the keys, and with
added effects including an attachment to the piano soundboard making tones like
a musical saw !! Overall Sylvain brought a varied and interesting
mix of percussive and rhythmic support. Generally the drums responded in
kind to the other instruments, although occasionally they overpowered the
piano but were well matched in supporting the cello in some nice interplay
between the two.
Overall this was an exhilarating afternoon of (modern) jazz brought
about by the high standard and energy of the players, and the mixing of the 8
musicians across the 4 sets. To be fair I saw two people
leave this session early – presumably they were expecting a somewhat ‘safer’
kind of jazz rather than modern improv incorporating thoughtful, inventive and
often edgy performances which we were treated to. And what a treat it was
– such superb musicianship!! The audience (60+ in numbers) were well rewarded
for their attendance and their attentiveness. The heartfelt thanks from
the musicians confirmed it to be quite a special event for everyone
involved. A veritable success!!!
Ken.
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