no idea if i should tell you this, but last night was a rather wonderful occasion.
you see i was able to take my wife out.
to a concert.
something we used to do on a regular basis, but since the arrival of our offspring has become impossible due to lack of any real desire to leave the bliss of home, and the difficulty of sorting out child care when living in the english outback.
however, as the superb ninja tune collective, the cinematic orchestra were passing through the local metropolis, we decided to make the effort.
all of which was even more unusual given the fact that neither of us had any real interest or passion for live jazz music.
anyway, upon arrival at the venue, the grand sounding colston hall , a place that is currently in a state of construction flux and chaos, we found that our seats (another first for any concert we have been to !), were absolutely perfect. central position, with a view of the whole stage.
needless to say we both settled down and never once mentioned the kids over the next 2 hours.
before the band came on, label mate bonobo set about raising the mood with a dj set of his trademarked jazz inflicted grooves with sidesteps into funk, soul and even deep minimal house. very nice, and that is a compliment.
so, a slight reshuffle of the stage, the arrival of a stand up bass from behind the curtains, meant that the audience were not going to be waiting too long, and sure enough, a few moments later, the band walk on stage and kick off the main event.
with band leader jason swinscoe on his laptop and keyboard on the side, and his lucky seven cohorts they set about recreating their gorgeous brand of late night moods, darkly rich instrumentation and ambience in stunning form. i am very happy to report that all my preconceived concerns such delicate studio manipulation would not be able to be recreated live were quickly wiped out, as on several occasions the band hit a recognisable groove (ie away from the improv break downs), there were tingles fighting for attention all over my body.
the sound was crystal clear, meaning all the subtle nuances in the music were given space to breathe, with that extra oomph that only a well mixed gig can provide.
several of the bands classics (predominantly from the current ma fleur album, and their modern classic everyday) were given time and space to demonstrate the power of live music.
for all the genuine talent on display, special mention must go out to the bands drummer, luke.
i never would have believed a drum solo could be so entertaining. the man is a true drummer hero, and his jazz drum licks provided a superb back bone to the proceedings, as well as providing moments of sheer laughter. it has been a long time since i have seen a band so much into the music, whenever one of the band performed a solo piece, you could the genuine love emanating from the other band members, obviously they too were all in the moment. as the band are known to disappear for years at a time as they put together their music, i recommend you catch the last show currently scheduled, friday night @ the royal albert hall, as you just know that one is going to be rather special.
oh, and in case you don’t get the chance to see them, word reaches me that the band are going to be releasing a dvd of their recent show at the barbican next year, but more of that as and when.
like i said, it was a rather wonderful occasion, and for that i blame jason swinscoe, oh, and the baby sitter.
more detail : here – – ninja tune