Dec
20
Written by:
carrie
Monday, December 20, 2010
The darkness of the walk through Canbury Park on a cold Sunday evening belied the warmth when entering Kingston's Jazz Island, The Boaters Inn.
Establishing itself over 20 years as a venue with reputation and pull for quality musicians and Jazz lovers alike, tonight we were there to listen to The Kieron Garrett Quartet, a jazz fusion outfit with Kieron Garrett (keyboard), Peter Cumber (drums), Mike Pratt ( bass) and guest Dave O'Higgins on sax.
As a Jazz pianist, Garrett references greats such as Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock. However Garrett's position is lighter, tighter and contemporary. You hear echos of Corea's early work and 70's / 80's / 90's expansive Jazz Fusion. Expect contemporary, accessible, melodic and funky Jazz and you won't be disappointed.
Although playing standards, the Quartet stands out amongst other Jazz outfits because of the original compositions by Garrett. In "Jaffa Cakes", "Bluetooth" and " It's Time ", Cumber's drums tantalise with syncopated rhythms, touching on the rhythms in Garrett's piano which in turn is picked up and embellished by O'Higgins melodic, reaching sax and Pratt giving a deep and funky bass line. The Quartet have a close structure with drums, bass and sax hanging together, integrated with and then sharing prominance around Garrett's piano.
"Bluetooth" is funky, enjoyable Jazz Fusion and one you'll want to move along to. "Waltz For Someone" is an example of the very best of the Quartet's range, style and technique. "Waltz" leads you in with an initially syncopated and simple piano melody, picked up in the background with a touch of cymbal and drums and then into the Sax. O'Higgins takes the piano away and onwards into an extended sax improv, then gently quietens down to allow Garrett's syncopated chords in a wonderfully written and mellow piano composition. Cumber's stylish, tantalising rhythms and Pratt's bass carries the track throughout until the musicians subside into an easy, harmonious close." Waltz For Someone" is a pleasure to listen to.
While you listen you hear the whole. Listen again and you hear each musician and each instrument carrying their own improv then back together very neatly in time for a change of direction in piano tempo or key. It's expert Jazz Fusion composition with expert musicians which is made the more enjoyable by the freshness of not anticipating ahead because you are listening to new material.
All tracks can be found on "It's Time" The Quartet's studio album.The live set is mirrored well on "It's Time" and if you enjoy The Quartet live, you'll enjoy the studio album. The last track on is 'Precious Gem' and it is a gem of a track, which is just aching for an extra layer of lyrics and smoky, deep vocals.
Jazz can have a reputation similar to the Turner Prize; avant garde, eclectic, taste driven and requiring understanding. Not this set and not The Kieron Garrett Quartet. The audience sat back and let each instrument transport them with the melodics and rhythms like an ambient conversation. The hour was filled with the new sounds that stayed with you long after the set finished. It was Jazz Fusion with just the right mixture of familiar and freshness. I can recommend. Kieron Garrett Quartet are both tight and in the pocket.
Carrie 20/12/2010.
http://www.kierongarrett.co.uk/kgquartet.aspx
http://www.boaterslivemusic.com/