Binker & Moses @ GCT Jazz Club - October 12

Binker Golding (tenor saxophone) & Moses Boyd (drums)

(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew).
(More photos)

They strolled out, unannounced, to a muted, but not indifferent, reception. Gosforth Jazz Club’s biggest audience yet, comprising graduates and undergraduates from Durham University, Sage Gateshead and Newcastle University and many others there to hear the current hot pick wasn’t

to be disappointed. Binker and Moses were in town and, for now, they can do no wrong.

Afterwards, walking to the Metro station, a young piano player of Jazz Café jam session renown remarked that tenor saxophonist Binker Golding has an amazing tone. Absolutely right! Golding can play, no question about it – as a member of Zara McFarlane’s band at Sage Gateshead the Tomorrow’s Warriors’ alumnus made a big impression. McFarlane’s drummer on that occasion? One Moses Boyd. The Londoners can play, big time! This stripped back tenor saxophone/drums set held the attention throughout. The duo have recorded two all analogue, all valve, albums cut on vintage lathes. This Gosforth gig held true to their ‘first take, no edit’ approach.

Binker stood side-on, looking directly across the stage at Moses ensconced behind his kit. Tenor sax and drums, full on, uncompromising yet accessible. Tracks from debut album Dem Ones (the vinyl is frequently on your reviewer’s deck) and Journey to the Mountain of Forever featured in the hour-long set. Binker’s tenor ratcheted up the tension, Moses’ immense technique propelling them  to ever-greater heights, one inspiring the other. Their musicality shone through, skillfully avoiding meandering, soul-less improv workouts. A calypso featuring Binker’s light as a feather tenor would have had the great Sonny Rollins dancing on the spot. Moses’ performance from beginning to end was a masterclass; groove, drum ‘n’ bass, a kicking bass drum recalling Elvin Jones and a hi-hat feature right out of the Max Roach book of percussion!

Archipelago: Faye MacCalman (tenor saxophone & clarinet), John Pope (bass) & Christian Alderson (drums)

Earlier, Tyneside trio Archipelago played a support set featuring material from their shiny, new CD Weightless. Describing themselves as ‘alt-rock-jazz’ the trio played numbers familiar from hearing them live and this GCT set went down well with a constantly growing crowd. Eye contact between the three musicians signalled agreed changes; Faye MaCalman’s tenor, never braying, steered a course which encouraged bassist John Pope and drummer Christian Alderson to up the ante; the ‘rhythm section’ revelling in being let of the leash, JP jumping on pedals, switching direction at will with Alderson all over it. Red Giant opened the set with the amiable MacCalman for the most part playing tenor. More Bamboo, Less Pandas rocked out and it was the eponymous Weightless with MacCalman opening on clarinet which offered a different perspective on Archipelago’s developing sound world.                                    Russell