The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8JH | Bookings 020 7254 4097 | Enquiries 020 7993 3643 | Email Info at Vortex

November 2006
gig reviews

Oren Marshall - Charming Transport Band
John Law Trio
Andy Sheppard - 200 Saxophones - the opening of Gillett Square
Convergence Quartet
Robert Mitchell and Omar Puente
Ian Shaw
Mike Westbrook Village Band Project
Christine Tobin
Billy Jenkins
Huw Warren and Peter Herbert, Led Bib
Anker, Craig, Cleaver & Curios
Nikki Yeoh
Dog Soup
Sex Mob
Taeko Kunishima

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November 2006 gig reviews by Chris Parker

John Law, Sam Burgess, Asaf Sirkis

The Art of Sound Tour

Monday 6

'A gratifyingly large crowd witnessed the 'poise and balance' (the pianist's own description) of the John Law Trio.

Law has covered the entire waterfront as far as piano playing is concerned, from classical to free improvisation and all points between, so it was a little startling to witness him playing in a relatively straightahead, conventional jazz-piano-trio manner, stating lucid themes and then exploring them elegantly and imaginatively, shadowed every step of the way by bassist Sam Burgess and drummer Asaf Sirkis.

Law's compositions for this band are intensely melodic, occasionally yearningly romantic pieces leaning heavily on subtle variation and discreet embellishment in their exposition, and the popularity of this approach could be seen in the rapt nature of the audience's attention, but for a set-closer, it was notable that the trio chose a slightly rearranged standard, 'Autumn Leaves', allowing the band (Sirkis in particular) to stretch out a little.

One small reservation (Burgess's arco work needs a little attention) aside, this was a thoroughly satisfying performance from a classy outfit.

 

 

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