This concert closed Liverpool International Jazz Festival (LIJF) 2026 at the Capstone Theatre. To say that this quartet received a rapturous reception from a large audience would be a massive understatement. Norwegian saxophonist and composer Marius Neset is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest saxophone players. Moving seamlessly between tenor and soprano saxophones he exhibited huge power but also great sensitivity in his playing. This is a very high energy quartet. Comparisons have been drawn to the music of Weather Report and their music references 1980’s fusion. The drummer Anton Eger was worth the ticket fee alone with his energetic style and flamboyant looks. Whilst I had not seen Marius and Anton before I had seen Elliot and Conor several times previously. Most recently I saw Conor play acoustic bass with Emma Smith at Kings Place in London this year. Elliott is known for his work with his trio and the band Dinosaur. Both are extraordinary musicians.
This concert
was part of a large European tour which included five venues in the UK over six days
with two concerts at Ronnie Scott's in London on 4 March. The band are touring
their new album Cabaret. I have set out the track list for the album
below. The band did not play the album in that order but all tracks were played
and some tracks segued into others. I have post gig listened to the album.
Its a good listen but to listen to this music live adds a further dimension to
this music. Go see them if you can
Marius has
written music for large ensembles including the London Sinfonietta and Bergen
Philharmonic Orchestra and has collaborated with classical musicians. A piece
not on the album called A Hand to Hold was played. Originally composed
for flute and orchestra by Marius it was played by Elliot and Marius as a duo.
The concert
ended with Wedding in Geiranger which started with Marius on piano and
was a nod to his own wedding last year.
A very
memorable concert and brilliant Festival. Richard Morris
The album Cabaret
track list: Cabaret; Hypersonic Cabar3t; Song for Maya; P11; Midsummer
Beats; The Ocean; Quantum Dance; Forgotten Ballet; Lizarb; Wedding in Geiranger
The Capstone Theatre, Liverpool Hope University Creative Campus, 17 Shaw Street, Liverpool L6 1HP www.capstone@hope.ac.uk
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