Matt Holmes (drums); Liam Brennan (alto
sax); Francis Tulip (guitar); Will Markham (piano); James Owston (bass)
Ari Hoenig is probably the hottest property in NYC percussion circles which, in actual fact, probably means the world so to step into his shoes is surely a daunting challenge for any drummer to take up.
That Holmes picked up the gauntlet so successfully, given that he's young and British may come as a surprise to some but it can happen - ask any tennis fan!
The second set of this tremendous gig was based around Hoenig's album Punkbop - Live at Smalls although I'm not sure where the punk fits in although, upon reflection, maybe it is a good description. The bop element is at the core but there is also this free, metal, feel about it suggesting that another jazz tributary is feeding the big river.
Numbers from the album were: Birdless; Lines of Oppression; Dark News; Rapscallion Cattle and Remembering.
They were extended workouts that, had they gone on forever they still wouldn't have been long enough. I must check out the original album because, on tonight's showing, if it's better than this then it has got to be one helluva recording because this was one helluva gig.
Five Birmingham based musicians who sounded as if they were at the top of their game but, given their youth, maybe they're just at the bottom of their game. As Dave Parker said in his introduction - I can't wait to hear them twenty years from now. But, twenty years from now you most certainly will have to go to London or New York to hear them.
The opening set contained a mix of originals, an oblique version of Stella by Starlight that Holmes retitled as Stella Stars - an amazing arrangement!
Francis T composed the opener, The Brunswick, named after a Birmingham pub, Holmes gave us Light Music (which was anything but!), The One With the Can (inspired by a former neighbour) and Owston chipped in with Last Song For Charlie, dedicated to the late player bass player Charlie Haden before the set came to a close on Tenor Madness. This was a fast bopper that had cutting edge solos all round.
Prior to tonight alto saxist Brennan was the only unfamiliar name to me - not any more - any time he's on a gig 'up north' I'll be in the front row. Same applies to all five. Great band.
Once again The Globe and the Jazz Co-op have delivered the goods and, if you were too exhausted after completing the Great North Run to make it in person then be sure to log on to the livestream - it's unmissable! Lance
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