Music / Jazz
The week in Jazz November 28 – December 4
No question what the ‘big’ event is this week – quite literally, sizewise, being the arrival of the 12-strong Jim Rattigan’s Pavillon (Future Inn, Thursday 1). Former classical French horn player Jim went jazz in the 90s, bringing a rarely heard instrument to jazz brass sections, and his clever and complex compositions for this ensemble have been compared to the brass-friendly Mike Westbrook, among others. It’s a cracking band – the names Pursglove, Speake and Calderazzo are just three on the team sheet – that should make a massive noise.
Otherwise there’s an interesting collection of organ trios on display this week, with distinguished visitor Nigel Price bringing his threesome with virtuosos keyboard player Ross Stanley and drummer Matt Home to Burdall’s yard in Bath (Friday 2). Their Whirlwind album Heads & Tales was described as ‘mind-boggling’ in the Observer. Compare and contrast, however, with Pushy Doctor Dan Moore (pictured) and his jazz trio set at Leftbank (Sunday 4) or the newly formed Hopkins/Hammond Trio featuring guitarist Matt and keyboard player Ruth who appear at the Alma Tavern on the same night. Dan’s jazz credentials are assured, while Matt and Ruth have a grooving blues style.
Fans of the freer end of things might well head for the Fringe (Monday 28) for the monthly session of improvised music unless, of course, they’re diverted by the Iceman Furniss Quartet appearing in a splendidly chaotic triple bill at the Exchange. Harry Furniss’ cornet features all over the place across the Bristol music scene (including with art-rockers Iyabe, pictured) but this spontaneous foursome is his best work.
There’s a couple of classy saxophone showcases, too, with tenor player Nick Dover’s Fault Lines coming to Fringe Jazz (Wednesday 30) and the Jake McMurchie Quartet featured at the Bebop Club (Friday 2). Nick’s 4-piece is a well-chosen outfit that goes well with his contemporary take on post-bop and stylish arrangements of classics while Jake’s interestingly takes him back from experimental bands like Get The Blessing and Michelson Morley to the kind of Sonny Rollins-influenced music he made in the great What Four band of the 90s. It’s nice to see the line-up including sparkling bass player Riaan Vosloo, once a regular Bebop fave who was drawn into the London scene (and beyond).
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