 |
| (© Ken Drew) |
The second day of this 2-day Easter weekender, focusing on local musicians/bands, was also sold out. The triple-bill was eagerly anticipated, not least because of its bias towards folk/electronics rather than jazz-infused performance. So it is rather unusual for Jazz North East to present a succession of performances comprising primarily non-jazz rather than provide a contrast of musical styles/genres between 2 or 3 performers on the same bill. But the common factor here is that they all share the drive and commitment to forge new music from a mix of styles, producing some of the best of our region's contemporary alt-folk scene (in its widest sense) on offer at the moment. They each share a driven desire to probe and extend beyond the more expected genre bounds, and each provide an element of excitement and surprise in what they do, and develop their ideas with each performance.
The headliner was Me Lost Me a.k.a. Jayne Dent accompanied by John Pope on acoustic bass and Faye MacCalman on clarinet. They have a forthcoming album (releasing in July) so this was a live preview of RPG – an album of deliberate sonic design where electronic experiments are supplemented with infusions of improv, folk, choirs and ambient, and plenty more besides. For example the song Eye Witness is a very rhythmic piece which sounds (to me) very contemporary yet with a more traditional vocals feel. If it were stripped back and unplugged it could become an Unthanks track but Me Lost Me turn it into something very contemporary. Dent’s voice is very much central to each piece, often supplemented with added vocal effects, but always with a driving rhythm.
 |
| (© Ken Drew) |
Prior to the trio, was Ceitidh Mac who performed a duo set. Previously she has been an Artist in Residence at Sage Gateshead, and more recently has just returned from a tour in Italy (20 concerts over 24 days). She looked relaxed and composed as ever, and ready to enjoy the evening switching between guitar and cello during the set, sharing the stage with regular collaborator Will Hammond on vibraphone who adds a pleasing backdrop to the acoustic mix. With a combination of improvisation and set pieces, playing original material as well as a creative mixture of traditional and folk music, they produce a distinctive combination of sounds, constantly drawing in their audience.
 |
| (© Ken Drew) |
Launching the evening was a solo performer - Heather Ferrier on accordion, most likely a first for Jazz North East but no matter, it’s what you achieve with your skills, ideas and the instrument that counts. Ferrier took part in a previous Summer Studios (run by Sage Gateshead) and plays in a variety of collaborations including Superfolkus led by Northumbrian piper and fiddler Kathryn Tickell, and has also depped in Kathryn’s band. As a solo performer Ferrier seems quite reserved, but once the music starts she’s a masterful player, with some self-penned tunes interspersed with traditional or hints of traditional folk music. I found it difficult to listen without being reminded of Tickell’s Northumbrian influences, but what a joy to see and hear the accordion played so well and mostly with speedy but always accurate fingers !
Overall, with the programming of solo, then duo then trio adding to the overall impact of the music, this sell-out evening of contemporary alt-folk (+ more besides) was well received by the enthusiastic audience, the evening’s music and musicians being well placed for the holiday weekend. Ken Drew
No comments :
Post a Comment