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

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

Gig reviews archive

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January 2008 gig reviews by Chris Parker

Matana Roberts

Wednesday 16 January

An introductory quote from the Vortex programme ê 'a fearless and charismatic saxophonist who can reconcile all sorts of saxophone languages' ê proved entirely apposite to describe the playing and stage presence of Chicagoan alto player Matana Roberts.

Ebulliently but tastefully backed by pianist Robert Mitchell, bassist Tom Mason and drummer Chris Vatalaro, she drew on her own memories and the musical culture ê focusing mainly on blues and the freer music associated with the likes of Fred Anderson and the AACM ê of Chicago to inform her entirely distinctive music.

Her tone, rich, sonorous but strident (occasionally reminiscent of Arthur Blythe), ensured that a respectably sized audience was gripped from the off, and her approach, which unaffectedly interwove a bluesy gutsiness with the vocalised interjections more often associated with free playing, retained their attention thereafter.

Mix in a personable onstage demeanour, an ability to relate personal anecdotes in a relaxed manner and a dash of that indefinable quality, charisma, and the result: a memorable evening's music from a woman who should be better known.

 

 

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