Skeltr - Sam Healy (sax,electronics) Craig Hanson(drums)
(Review by Steve H/Photo courtesy of Ken Drew)
I first encountered this band last July at The Bridge, Newcastle and gave them a rave review. They should have been back in Newcastle at the Jazz Café last month but sadly this had to be cancelled due to the inclement weather and the fact they were playing Ronnie Scott’s the night before the gig (Craig Hanson told me after the gig that this was the first time he'd ever been inside the legendary club).
Luckily we didn’t have to wait too long for them to reappear on Tyneside as they had been scheduled to play the late night slot in Sage 2 on day 2 of this year’s GIJF. My only concern prior to Saturday night’s appearance had been that the duo couldn’t possibly live up to my very high expectations. I needn’t have worried as Skeltr picked up from where they left off in July and delivered what for me was the ‘set’ of the festival.
Soaring sax lines and fabulous drums patterns merged with electronic samples to produce a magnificent sonic funky soundscape. On their previous appearance the band was in its infancy and couldn’t be 100% confident how things would work out with their range of complex electronic gadgetry. Having performed extensively since then everything was as sharp as a cut throat razor and bang on the money so although the raw excitement of the unexpected may have been diminished it was certainly made up for by the sheer tightness and expertise that has since evolved.
Anyway, the good news is both Sam and Craig love playing in the North East and will be performing their rescheduled gig at the Jazz Cafe on November 22. Put that date in your diary now and underline it. As I’ve said before, this band is really going places.
Steve H.
1 comment :
Really appreciate your comments Steve - It's great to get support from the North East Jazz Family! we do love playing in your neck of the woods. Hope we can keep making great music for the benefit of all!
Sam
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