Tommy Smith/Arild Andersen/Paolo Vinaccia – 22/11/08 Purcell Room, LJF

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Tommy Smith/Arild Andersen/Paolo Vinaccia – 22/11/08 Purcell Room, LJF

Thursday, 27 November 2008 11:14

Progressive improvised music: an ethic which typifies Arild Andersen’s work as a double bass player and composer. It is an approach which transcends the constraints imposed by narrow musical categorisation and finds space for musicians to express the purist form of their musical voice. Andersen, Smith and Vinaccia were thereby able to penetrate beyond the recognised parameters of the saxophone-trio.

The set opened with Andersen’s self-composed four part suite, “Independency” in which his sonorous tone, commanding lyricism and forceful groove anchored the group. His statements were infused with references to bop, rock, classical and folk while electronic effects, such as real-time sampling and reverb were prudently deployed and provided an extra dynamic to the texture.

Tenor saxophonist, Tommy Smith explored the harmonic possibilities implicit within the melody of Ellington’s, “Prelude to a Kiss” in an expressive and deeply personal way. Indeed, it was during this piece that the band best demonstrated their mutual familiarity. Throughout the first half Andersen and drummer, Paolo Vinaccia exchanged the anchor role with a visceral fluidity. Andersen and Smith then locked onto a simple but strong vamp allowing Vinaccia to take the rhythm “outside.” He descended onto a proud and reflective rock groove which was sustained throughout the rest of the performance. The energy created seemed to propel Smith into a rigorous post-bop solo. His Garbarek inspired folkloric inflections and Brecker-esque multi-phonics combined with a distinctive sense of melodic development to create tumultuous waves of tension and release. The execution was muscular, the effect expansive.

It appeared however, that my enthusiasm was not shared by those members of the audience who made an early departure. “It’s very serious,” said a young lady sitting behind me once the final applause had died down. Perhaps, but it was an absolute pleasure to behold.

Review – Joseph Kassman-Tod

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