Kris Bowers (piano & keyboards)
(Review by Russell)
Going from one hall to another, from one concert to another, without so much as one minute’s break can make it difficult to adjust to the new sound in a new environment. The Sage One double bill – Courtney Pine-Zoe Rahman and Terence Blanchard – ran over time, meaning that those wishing to attend the late night concert in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall had to dash hoping not to miss the start of Kris Bowers’ set.
Bowers had made a start. Seated at the Fender Rhodes, a Bentley piano to his left and Nord 2 keyboard to his right, the baseball hat wearing New Yorker, head bowed, took time to construct and loop numerous hip-hop-inflected rhythms. A one-man orchestra, Bowers played a few tunes with more than a nod to indie pop culture. Guitar, bass and drums joined him to continue the indie (band) vibe. As the gig neared its end Bowers dismissed his band mates and sat at the piano. A former winner of the TS Monk prize, Bowers spoke of his love of Monk’s compositions. He couldn’t choose one favourite, said the Jay-Z collaborator, so, over the course of ten minutes or so, Bowers played a selection of Monk melodies. This was the readily identifiable jazz element in the show. Kris Bowers can play, no doubt about it. What he chooses to play is another matter.Russell
Yes, when events are as tightly packed in the hours available as at GIJF, it perhaps behoves performers to run to time (much as it goes against the free spirit in jazz!).
ReplyDeleteThe Roberto Fonseca Trio gig, already delayed by 15 minutes because of the Sage One overrun, suffered a stream of latecomers being shown to their seats as Roberto was talking to the audience between numbers. It was most distracting.
Still, at least the Sage staff did not bring them in during the music - which was excellent - as described by Russell elsewhere on this BSH in regard to the concourse Jazz Line Up stage.