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VOTN with JASON YARDE - OCTOBER 10th 2010 MARSDEN JAZZ FESTIVAL, HUDDERSFIELD
www.marsdenjazzfestival.com
Well-known standards apart, I always feel inadequate commenting on jazz performances as I lack the necessary critical vocabulary and knowledge of the genre. But, to adapt a well-known saying,: I know nothing about jazz, but I know what I like. And last night’s VOTNJO/Jason Yarde gig, I loved!
I had not heard of, or heard, Jason Yarde before (all right, I’ve admitted my ignorance already!) but I will remember the name now! His performance on sax, his amazing compositions and his hyperactive stage-presence, made for a memorable evening.
His pre-concert talk had mentioned diverse influences such as hip-hop, reggae and (his parents’) James Brown, and the pieces performed reflected that variety. Jason also explained that, when composing for big bands, he liked to motivate and “engage” all the individual musicians by ensuring that there was something challenging or a bit different for them to tackle at some point in each piece: no slouching back in the “comfort-zone” a large group might otherwise encourage. This too was evident on stage where the musicians were, at times, visibly on tenterhooks but, at the same time, thoroughly enjoying every moment as the time flew by. The talk also shed light on the aforementioned hyperactive stage-presence: although loving classical music, Jason did not fancy the “conservatoire” approach as a student and opted, instead, for a performance arts course where other disciplines – dance especially – came into play. No wonder, as a conductor, he makes Izzy Barratt look immobile!
I enjoyed the shorter pieces (the first, I think, was called “Tag”) which preceded the main course – the suite (apologies, Lance, if that sounds like a gastronomic paradox!), “Four letter words for four letters heard”. These gave a flavour of what was to come with varied rhythms and changes of volume (full volume was mighty impressive in the superb acoustics of the hall!) and some great sax playing by Jason himself. In the suite, Jason the sax-player gave way, for the most part to Jason the conductor, but the band ensured that no vacuum was left in the music. It was all powerful stuff with many excellent solos on trombone, trumpet and various saxophones. Outstanding, for me, was the section where Sue Ferris had a long flute solo – maybe because it brought back memories of when our house was seldom without some solo flute on the go! A cack-handed compliment, perhaps, from a self-confessed ignoramus, but Andy Champion seems to get better and better every time I hear him, as well. I also liked the part where all but the rhythm section downed tools and clapped (rhythmically), which typified, for me, the “fun” nature of the whole performance.
I can’t wait to hear more!
Jerry Edis.
Composer, arranger, and saxophonist Jason Yarde teams up with the Voice of the North in a concert that features his commissioned suite for the band “Four Letter Words, for Four Letters Heard“, and a selection of his other powerful and evocative works for large ensemble. He composes across variety of styles -progressive jazz, classical, hip-hop fusion, free improvisation, broken beats, R&B, reggae, soul. His diverse output covers music for dance and film as well as orchestral scores and jazz ensembles which have been performed at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, the Tower of London and the 2008 BBC Proms. Jason's eloquent and driving saxophone playing has graced many diverse projects including the Jazz Warriors, Hugh Masekela/ Jazz Jamaica, Jack de Johnette and Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra.
The Voice of the North has been the leading ensemble for innovative jazz in North East for over ten years. Under the musical direction of John Warren they have performed contemporary music featuring musicians of the stature of Bob Mintzer, John Surman, Andy Sheppard and Tommy Smith.
photographs by Andrew Mayo
Voice of the North Jazz Orchestra with Jason Yarde & John Warren @ Darlington Arts Centre. November 6th
Jason Yarde (composer, conductor, alto & sop. sax), John Warren (composer & conductor), Paul Edis (piano), Andy Champion (double bass), Adrian Tilbrook (drums), Graham Hardy (trumpet), Sean Hollis (trumpet & flugel), Shaun Eland (trumpet & flugel), Noel Dennis (trumpet & flugel), Matt Ball (trombone), Alex Leathard (trombone), Keith Norris (trombone), Chris Hibbard (bass trombone), Sue Ferris (tenor sax & flute), Lewis Watson (tenor & sop.sax), Rod Mason (alto sax & flute), Andy Bennett (alto sax), Bill Sneddon (baritone sax).
A near capacity audience at Darlington Arts Centre greeted Voice of the North with a sense of anticipation, if not apprehension, as to what lay ahead. The orchestra had been in rehearsal mode attempting to get to grips with Jason Yarde's compositions (including a suite commissioned by Jazz Action - the north east's jazz development agency) and last night was examination time. The opening number was somewhat familiar territory to the band as it was John Warren (VOTN's musical director) who took up the baton to revisit 'The Picture Tree' from his 1971 album 'Tales of the Algonquin'. Jason Yarde followed and upped the ante stretching the band to the limit with compositions old (Jazz Warriors) and new. The band sections concentrated intently on their written parts, counting, almost aloud, glancing along the line to catch an eye, hopefully a reassuring eye, that all was well. Much pointing at charts, heads nodding in agreement, all the while watching Maestro Yarde, dancing and directing the ensemble, coaxing new colours and textures from the ranks. All was well, loud applause greeted solo contributions and at the conclusion of the first number there was visible puffing out of cheeks from band and audience alike. This was going to be one great night. Graham Hardy took the exposed solo trumpet parts and did so fearlessly. The trombone section had last minute changes in personnel and Leeds College of Music graduate Matt Ball was outstanding in several solo excursions. Lewis Watson impressed on tenor, Sue Ferris on tenor and flute. Jovial Rod Mason ran with it, so too Andy Bennett and Bill Sneddon anchored the reeds. The second set featured the commissioned work 'Four Letter Words for Four Letters Heard'. In explaining the genesis of the piece Yarde unleashed a torrent of four letter words such as 'jazz' and 'love' - a beautiful moment. Thirty five minutes later and the premiered work was done. Voice of the North passed with flying colours - grade A, no, make that grade A* students, one and all.The boys in the engine room were tremendous - Paul Edis, playing the Arts Centre's beautiful grand piano, was immersed in the music, Andy Champion gave a towering performance and drummer Adrian Tilbrook is the only one I can think of who could nail it as he did from first note to last - absolutely outstanding. Yarde's writing recalls the roar of Mingus and the complexity of George Russell fused with a contemporary mix of funk and hip hop elements.A memorable night it was and it can be heard again at next year's Gateshead Jazz Festival - tickets on sale now.
Russell
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jason yarde