Sunday Night @ the Globe: Panharmonia - May 22

(© S. Herrick)

Keith Barrett (guitar, vocal, perc); Fiona Finden (soprano sax, vocal, perc); Stu Finden (baritone sax, perc); Andrew Porritt (bass, perc); John Bradford (drums, perc).

The last time this band played at the Globe they were known as the East Coast Quintet which seemed to be quite a cool name. However, that was then (November 2021) and this is now and, as threatened back then, these days they strut their stuff as Panharmonia.

With the change of name came, to my ears, a gutsier, more fiery sound. Everyone was microphonically enhanced including the drums which in a small room like the Globe bar meant that the opening What is This Thing Called Love? sounded louder than the rock band who were playing in the performance space at the Centre For Life a few blocks away. Presumably the amplification was linked to the settings for the livestream.

However, as the set unfolded, either the volume levels were adjusted or my ears had become acclimatised but from then on the balance was absolutely spot on.

The music couldn't be pigeon-holed except to say that it sat comfortably north of hard bop and south of freeform with hints of fusion and even the occasional folksy feel.

All five played their roles to perfection, Stu blowing some beefy baritone - his solo on Star Eyes will take some beating. Fi played some smooth soprano - and took a fine vocal on a tune, the title of which escaped me. Keith led from the front with some great guitar, excellent compositions and an enigmatic vocal on Liam Loves Jazz - a tune inspired by some graffiti. Need I say more about John Bradford that hasn't already been said a dozen times in as many different settings? He's rapidly becoming a first caller. Andrew Porritt was an eye-opener on bass. I've heard him several times over the years but last night I was really impressed with his playing whether arco or pizz - a great sound. 

The big thing about Panharmonia (or whatever their next name is) is the obvious enjoyment they get from playing together. They make it a fun thing that, without detracting from the seriousness of intent and performance, they transmit to the listener. This was never more pronounced than on Lockdown Lydia which, apart from the solos had continually changing moods including a Latin section where all five played various Latin percussion instruments although it's debatable if Keith's bodhrán quite fits into that category. 

 Catch them when you can - Lance

What is This Thing Called Love?; Outside Blues; Song For Bilbao; Liam Loves Jazz; All Alone; Stu's Blues; White Stripe; Star Eyes; ? ; Lockdown Lydia; So Long Eric; Bye, Bye, Blackbird.