A second theme was the southern European presence. Italy’s Riccardo Brazzale and Lydian Sound Orchestra conjured up the controlled anarchy of the Mingus Big Band perfectly. Further along the Mediterranean the emotive sounds of Spain emerged with Madrilenos Dead Capo who encapsulate the dynamic attitude of the capital with their eclecticism, encompassing post-bop, paso doble and surfer musics. An electrifying set including tracks from the CD, Discolo, featured the dominant influence of guitarist Javier Adan. Gibraltar and jazz are not obviously linked, but in Latin diva Kirsty Almeida and her excellent ensemble that may soon change. Revisiting the small combo format perfected by Nat King Cole in the late 1940s with cool bossas and sumptuous boleros.
MJF has prided itself on exclusive newly commissioned works and a suite devoted to folk-jazz bassist Danny Thompson by Manchester bassist Jon Thorne fitted the bill while an exploration of electronica courtesy of Stuart McCallum's minimalist suite featured the great John Surman and Neil Yates alongside the cream of Manchester's musicians. Understanding the relationship between blues, gospel and jazz is key and in Alex Douglas the commonality of the African-American spiritual and the piano were explored, thereafter providing a master class in the art. Barb Jungr skilfully re-invented the jazz/gospel combo with expert accompaniment. Fusion was not forsaken. Current Affairs dissected the more exploratory side of the genre at Matt and Phred's, while Elliot Henshaw’s band provided both fusion-pop sounds and sardonic Mancunian humour.
Report: Tim Stenhouse
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