The regular trio of reeds player Shabaka Hutchings, drummer Tony Marsh and double bass player Guillaume Viltard took their own brand of free improv to Café Oto last night.

The band was able to stop and start on a pinpoint, presenting short song-length pieces eschewing the regularly heard extensive sets often found in the genre. Viltard has made a name for himself by taking on the challenge of playing unamplified, which he did to great effect. Not allowing himself to be subdued by his partners, the audience was rewarded with the unaltered woody tone of a bass instead of an amp. Marsh is every bass player’s best friend: a drummer who can play quietly when he needs to, he was able to significantly alter his dynamics without losing groove or propulsion.

Hutchings who switched between sax and clarinet was thankfully not afraid to delve into more tonal improvisation giving their sound a diverse edge. A true testament to communal spirit no single member of the group stood out from the others, rather they were at their best when together. The trio will be playing at Arch1 in West Ham, London on 1 March and 5 April. 

Pictured: Guillaume Viltard (above left) and Tony Marsh

Story and photos – Chris Hyde-Harrison

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