Phil Slater on trumpet and laptop, Matt McMahon on piano, Nord, Carl Dewhurst on guitar, Simon Barker on drums, percussion, at Alpine MDF Theatre
A festival is about transitions, about moving between the worlds created by the musicians in each space at a particular time. What a contrast to leave Linda Oh’s trio — young players who took no prisoners, reveling in driving rhythms and complex patterns — and enter the light and shade, frenzy and reflection, and at times absolute simplicity of this ensemble’s creations. Band of Five Names was affective, slowly evolving, highly involving. I thought at the time, “How can a Nord sound so gentle?” and “Stillness can take root here”.
Pics to come soon
Ausjazz Blog 