Dan Coulthurst Quintet @ Central Bar, Gateshead - Jan. 30

Dan Coulthurst (trumpet, poetry); Joel Stedman (bass clarinet, flute); Nico Widdowson (piano); Fergus Quill (double bass); Theo Goss (drums)

Dan Coulthurst arrived at Gateshead's Central Bar twenty four hours after a successful gig (100 plus audience) at Cobalt Studios in Newcastle. This evening, on Half Moon Lane, the affable Coulthurst would play to a somewhat smaller audience. 

The Dan Coulthurst Quintet opened with What is to be Done? In possession of a formidable technique, trumpeter Coulthurst touched base with NYC's loft scene of some sixty years ago, similarly Chicago's AACM, through to twenty first century developments, jazz and, fleetingly, improv. Studious, if not earnest, in demeanour, Coulthurst and his bandmates were fully immersed in the music. 

Joel Stedman's bass clarinet, and occasional flute, matched Coulthurst's direct, robust approach. Pianist Nico Widdowson wasn't shy in coming forward, knocking out some tremendous solos along the way. The propulsive bass and drums of Fergus Quill and Theo Goss lifted the ensemble to ever greater heights, at times all five musicians were blowing hard, then harder still. 

Coulthurst's declamatory poetry - think 'Beat Poets' - was largely lost on the audience such was the volume levels of his bandmates. Nevertheless, it did create a certain 'vibe' about the gig. To close an enjoyable evening, Coulthurst and co hit on a N'Awlins/calypso groove. Unexpected, given what had gone before, but so very effective. Russell

     

Set list included: What is to be Done?; Is This Tomorrow?; Twice in Nature; Lament for Lost Children; Carmine; Dandelion in the Wind.