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| (© Ken Drew) |
A return to the upstairs room at The Bridge on Saturday night was a welcome return to what was once Jazz North East’s primary venue. A great setting with great beer and the added bonus of being able to see the trains pass by in the large bay window. A capacity crowd increased the atmosphere further as this multinational band took to the stage.
Law and Hitchcock got together remotely to form the Same Moon in the Same World project and most of the music performed was from their new album of the same name. The title is derived from the novel Sputnik Sweetheart written by the great Japanese author Haruki Murakami (a jazz enthusiast) where the line “we are both looking at the same moon in the same world, We’re connected to reality by the same line” appears.
During lockdown, Law and Hitchcock collaborated remotely together with various other musicians and, despite their geographical separation, they were still able to connect or, as they put it, “we are staring at the same moon”.
The concert got going in a fairly mellow fashion and pretty much stayed that way for the rest of the gig. What was created was a terrific soundscape of intricate combinations between the quartet members. Each player displayed supreme mastery of their chosen instrument and dovetailing seamlessly with one another.
Danish bassist Høiby’s playing was on point throughout. South Korean drummer Sun-Mi Hong was a new face to me but proved to be a revelation and provided the highlight of the evening as far as I was concerned. Her explosive drum solo midway into the second set really cranked things up. Meanwhile Law and Hitchcock played with real subtly and quality which kept the listener permanently focused.
A thoughtful, pensive and melodious performance throughout which seemed to be much appreciated by all in the packed house. Steve H
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