André Canniere (trumpet); Esben Tjalve (piano); Henrik Jensen (bass); Antonio Fusco (drums)
(Review by/photo courtesy of – Ken Drew.)
Opening with Bonza, Canniere provides a gentle introduction before passing to Tjalve to develop on piano then Fusco on drums with Jensen providing solid support throughout. A confident opener for the band giving a flavour of and raising expectations of what was to follow. The Dutch Daneman began with a powerful trumpet lead before bursting into life courtesy of Jensen, Tjalve and Fusco’s driving rhythm. Even at this early point in the concert, the quartet demonstrated a tight interplay and support during the solo sections. The bass was ever present, keeping up with Fusco on drums with his very enthusiastic, yet accurate, playing. With some very intricate rhythms and powerful and exciting drum solo sections, overall the quartet produced a fine cohesive sound.
Jensen informs us this is the last gig of their current tour. No wonder they were so tight as a band - we’re benefiting from all those recent ‘rehearsals’ on their tour, and greatly appreciated by the Newcastle audience. Then an extended tune, again with good solos all round. Lively and quite complex in places but overall giving a good groove, engaging the audience every step of the way. Finally in the first set, a quiet and slow intro from Jensen before passing to Cannniere who produces a slightly haunting tone, fleetingly reminiscent of the soulful sound of Chet Baker’s My Funny Valentine (to my ears anyway!). This turns out to be another extended piece ending with the trumpet and bass, underpinned by gently purring drums gradually diminishing into the background.
Ricardo’s Room reflections of a time Jensen visited Italy. A slightly restrained groove encouraging some intricate cross-rhythms from Fusco – and the switches between sublime piano delicacy and full-band vibrancy were great to witness. This then followed by another fast-paced piece with many intricate moments of rapidly changing rhythms – the quartet again holding it all together extremely well. And well received too! A change of pace with Y’on ready? a gentle and sweet tune again with perfectly co-ordinated playing across the band led by Jensen throughout. London Berlin took the tempo back up moving between hectic activity and somewhat calmer moments, maybe a portrayal of Jensen's experience of the two cities. The hectic elements gradually took precedence as all four players up the pace, Fusco seeming urging Tjalve's piano solo forwards. Landmarks had good and interesting solos from Fusco yet again. I noted the brief use of a plastic tube from his mouth to control the pitch of a specific drum – used sparingly but very effectively. Finally, The Post Office a very lively piece and a good place to end – on a high!
Overall, very strong playing from all four, but the drums took my attention again and again by the intricacy and subtlety (or sometimes not) of the changes in rhythm aligning perfectly with the style and mood of each piece. But the overall standout was the band itself. What a great quartet with lively sound, always tight but allowing plenty of individual freedom too, playing to a select few who were richly rewarded for their attendance. Followed By Thirteen’s appeal is surely down to Henrik Jensen’s skill as writer, instrumentalist and leader coupled with the undoubted skills of his band members, resulting in an excellent concert from a superb international quartet.
For this concert they played many tracks from their new album “Blackwater” and a couple from their first “Qualia” – both worth checking out.
Ken Drew
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