 |
| (© Ken Drew) |
Archipelago - Faye
MacCalman (tenor sax, clarinet, synths, electronics); John Pope (bass);
Christian Alderson (drums)
Bartholomew – Electronics
Taupe - Jamie Stockbridge (alto sax, electronics); Mile Parr-Burnham (guitar, objects, synths); Adam Stapleford (drums)
A full house at Bobiks created a great atmosphere for the first of the two weekend gigs in the upstairs venue within the Jesmond hostelry. First up saw local favourite Archipelago turn in a superb performance despite having to contend with a somewhat iffy sound system. A mellow start soon burst into a skronking high energy blast to send the room rocking. It was all high energy stuff. There were a couple of vocals from Faye MacCalman and an eastern themed piece with Faye MacCalman on clarinet which featured a great John Pope bass solo. A song full of loops with a highland twist saw Christian Alderson on drums excel and bring the set to a splendid conclusion.
 |
| (© Ken Drew) |
Taupe were formed in Newcastle 10 years ago and although the band members have separated geographically they still come together to record and play. Saturday night was indeed the final night of their September European tour. Self described as ‘Non Jazz with a desire to reconcile the in-the-moment alchemy of free improvisation with a more pre-meditated polyrhythmic compositional practice.’
At first sight the band could have almost been mistaken for a Sparks tribute band but that though was immediately dispersed once the music began. Right from the get go the band launched into a frenetic, uncompromising, mesmeric attack giving the audience nowhere to hide – it was exhilarating high octane stuff and the majority seemed to be swaying and tapping along to the groove.
 |
| (© Ken Drew) |
Sandwiched between the two sets was a late replacement for the billed SA Malley who was unable to appear. A lovely guy called Chris going under the name of Bartholomew gave us a half hour of electronic wizardry which was most soothing and tranquil although his spectacular trousers almost stole the show! Steve H
No comments :
Post a Comment