After seven long years this quintet
reunited for a much awaited return to live performance. They had produced three
fine albums all of which are available to stream. Origin of the Species (2016);
Where the Wild Things Are (2017) , Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
(2018)
The musicians involved with the three albums were the same as per the line-up for this concert save that Grant Russell replaced Hugo Harrison. All musicians are based in the North West save for Nick Walters who travelled from his base in London. It was my first time seeing Nick who is a bandleader and composer as well as a cracking trumpeter. All of the other musicians are well known to me. Grant is also a bandleader and composer. Johnny is one of the UK’s top drummers. It was the second time I have seen Kyran in concert in seven days and I see Misha at least once every couple of weeks if not more gigging on Merseyside, Manchester, North Wales and sometimes further afield.
The quintet’s music could be described
as contemporary hard bop. Melodies and rhythms flow out of Misha’s compositions
showcasing the Quintet’s musical talents. Their music creates flawless moments
of improvisation sounding both natural and endlessly interesting. All of their albums
are worth a listen.
The concert kicked off with King
Kong from their second album featuring Kyran’s scything sax work, crisp and
sharp. Next up was the anthemic Pharos of Alexandria from their third
album which included solos by Misha and Nick. Crystal from their first
album followed with a lengthy solo from Kyran who clearly is one of the best sax
players in the UK. His sax work can be furious and intense but he is very
capable of slower tempo tunes and ballads. A real showman. Misha has an elegant
style on the piano but can be fast and furious when required and is clearly an
accomplished composer. I hope a fourth album occurs,
The last tune of the first set was Cave
of the Forest King which included chanting by some of the band members. The
brass section of Kyran and Nick was prominent on this tune with both blending
together providing the sound of a brass section bigger than their two parts.
The second set started with The
Pyramid of Khufu a fierce hard bop number with the interplay of brass to
the fore and an incredible drum solo by Johnny who throughout the concert
provided driving rhythms backed up by Grant’s impeccable bass lines. The last
number I heard was Ode to the Jungle from their second album.
The concert started rather later than
scheduled so I was not able to stay for the last part of the second set due to
my journey home to another country by train and car. However I have caught up
by listening to all three albums post the concert. All sounding as fresh as
ever. A wonderful night out at Frederiks as usual with a good and appreciative
audience.
A short note on Liverpool’s jazz scene. It is vibrant and there are many venues providing an opportunity for musicians to play on a regular basis. Many venues are within walking distance of each other. I noted from social media that a young musician Joseph Stanley currently studying at Liverpool University (the best University in the world imho) planned to visit four jazz concerts between 8pm and 10pm on 5 August. I noticed in Frederiks before the concert the legendary musician and radio broadcaster Frank Griffith who was performing that evening at the Pen Factory over the road in Hope Street. Frank is a regular contributor to BSH. Talking of contributors to BSH there is one who has admitted to me that he has never been to Liverpool. Shocking. I will not name and shame him but he spends a lot of time with a canny lass called Patti. Richard Morris
Set list included: King Kong; Pharos
of Alexandria; Crystal; Cave of the Forest King; The Pyramid of Khufu; Ode to
the Jungle
Frederiks Cocktail Bar, Kitchen and
Music House, 32 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BX
Tel 051 708 9574
Frederiks has been a lively Cornerstone
of Liverpool’s picturesque Georgian Quarter for over a decade. As the proud
home of Hope Street Jazz, Fred’s hosts the city’s leading live jazz showcase
four nights a week with DJ’s on other days
Open 7 days a week for Dining, Music, Parties
and Drinks to include cocktails
Facebook:
Frederiks Liverpool Instagram: @fredshopest www.frederikshopestreet.com
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