Honesty is indeed admirable. Jasper Høiby when asked about deeper reasons for the ‘Pitch Black’ concert replied that, all things considered, he came up with the concept so as to get the gig! However, that did not take away from my experience.

As I expected the first set displayed a tight cohesive pallete of material by the trio with all dynamics and structures artistically place to stir emotions. Anton Eger’s wild and passionate drums, Ivo Neame’s fluidity and layers on piano with Jasper Høiby as both anchor and engine guarantees excitement.

A Gradual descent to Pitch Black, initially eerie with the downward chromatics of ‘Walking Dark’, gave way to exciting compositional interplay resulting in thankful reassurance. Comfortable with the surroundings and strong desires to close my eyes I consciously kept them open for me not to miss out on any experiences of sightlessness.

Wide-eyed I became more focused on the music. This triggered past memories of me sitting at home in the dark with headphones and becoming fully immersed in an album. So it was with ‘Love Song’ and feeling as though in familiar territory it became easier to home in as the composition shifted focus between musicians but for me the greatest moment of introspection and cognizance of a beautiful composition came 45 minutes in with ‘Eight Hours’. More poignant was the way it ushered us back into light. Jasper’s driving bass in an almost call and response with Ivo’s defining melodic phrases sympathetically stirred and dusted by Anton’s sympathetic brush work, it was like rousing from the cusp of a dream.

A contemplative experience, later enhanced by discussion panel of musicians and scientist. Highlighted also was the impeccable musicianship not only in terms of compositional content but their ability to delivery an outstanding and enjoyable performance even when placed in a compromising situation.

– Roger Thomas