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| (© Graham Hardy) |
For the second week in a row Jazz North East at The Globe hosted a band with a heavy string presence. James Mainwaring’s Mycorrhiza, just like Sean Noonan with the Legeti Quartet the previous Sunday, boasted several stringed instrument in their ensemble. A larger (and younger) than normal crowd showed that they were prepared to give strings a chance and were well rewarded for their attendance with this fascinating, creative and thought provoking, performance.
Mycorrhiza is the term describing the symbiotic relationship between
mycorrhizal fungi and a plants root system. The fungi forms networks between
the trees, allowing them to communicate. Often nicknamed the ‘wood wide web’,
the network allows trees to send each other nutrients and warn each other about
predators such as bugs, deer, or harmful pathogens. The James Mainwaring
‘Mycorrhiza’ project is inspired by natural systems like this and is
concerned about the human impact and the corruption surrounding it.
Heavy stuff indeed and this was reflected by the complex soundscape that
evolved as the evening progressed. Poignant and evocative, the strings providing
an eerie backdrop to the rhythm section. Vocals from Mainwaring and Vulliamy
were very effective.
Glen Leach on piano replaced guitarist Chris Sharkey who featured on
the Mycorrhiza album released in 2021. From a jazz perspective the highlights
were Leach’s solos and Hanley’s monumental drumming. Mainwaring is a wonderful
sax player but his solos were kept to a minimum which for this attendee
was bit of a shame although I suppose with all the other things he was
responsible for (compositions, arrangements, vocals , electronics, flute,
soprano, tenor; alto) it was no surprise.
Following Newcastle’s dramatic last gasp win against Leicester a few
hours earlier I wondered if Mycorrhiza would leave us in a similar state of
euphoria but when Mainwaring announced that the final piece of the night was a
reflection on the current state of the world I had my doubts. Fittingly it was
a sombre, sad and very moving piece. Who says you need to leave the audience on
a high?
Steve H
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