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January 2008
gig reviews

Jim Mullen's Organ Trio with Stan Sulzmann
Renato D'Aiello International Quintet
Trevor Watkis Quartet
Andy Sheppard and the New Quintet
David Torn's Prezens
Bourne, Davis, Kane
Matana Roberts
Eddie Parker's Mister Vertigo
John Taylor Trio
Kit Downes Trio
Phil Robson Quartet featuring Dave Liebman
Will Butterworth Trio
Richard Fairhurst Trio
Julie Sassoon/Lothar Ohlmeier

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January 2008 gig reviews by Chris Parker

Richard Fairhurst Trio
Julie Sassoon/Lothar Ohlmeier

Wednesday 30 January

A road-accident injury to trumpeter Tom Arthurs in Berlin resulted in his non-appearance for this gig, originally intended to feature him alongside pianist Richard Fairhurst in an opening set.

Instead, pianist Julie Sassoon and reeds player Lothar Ohlmeier kicked proceedings off with one of their absorbing duo performances.

Sassoon is a highly skilled player, whose attention to subtleties of dynamic control and textural variety (she can move easily between thunderous power and filigree delicacy in the blink of an eye) makes her duo and solo work particualrly rewarding ¹ her solo album New Life (Babel, 2006) captures her highly individual approach beautifully ¹ and Lothar Ohlmeier has one of the most attractive tenor sounds you're likely to hear, rich, sonorous and affecting, so their partnership is filled with sonic delights, whether they're racing together through a mellifluously lyrical theme or performing solo explorations.

Ohlmeier's versatility, too ¹ he is as effective on soprano and bass clarinet as on tenor ¹ brings welcome variety to their sets, so overall this was an enjoyable display of the sort of musical compatibility from comes from the ease of long and close acquaintance.

Richard Fairhurst, playing in a fresh context ¹ Danish bassist Jasper HÏiby and American drummer Chris Vatalaro formed his rhythm section ¹ demonstrated, as the programme notes suggested he might, that he is indeed a 'keyboard virtuoso capable of both meditation and funkiness' with a set of characteristically vigorous, muscularly catchy originals laced with lyricism.

HÏiby was suitably propulsive in his supporting role and eloquently melodic when soloing; Vatalaro combined, as always, robust power with considerable delicacy, utilising the entire array of sticks, mallets and brushes to obtain precisely the right cymbal or drum sound.

In many ways, a typical Vortex evening: two sets of unpretentiously adventurous music performed to a silent but clearly extremely appreciative audience. All best wishes to Tom Arthurs for a speedy recovery.

 

 

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