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Sax supreme
REVIEW: GARY CRSOBY PLAYS JOHN COLTRANE
Pizza Express, dean street
THE music of classical composers is constantly revived, reinterpreted and enjoyed. So why not jazz? Indeed there is greater scope for experimentation.
So in a dark Soho basement on Monday night John Coltrane’s seminal album, A Love Supreme, was revisited by Nu Troop, the ensemble founded by double-bass player Gary Crosby, with saxophonist Denys Baptiste, percussionist Rod Youngs and Frank Roberts on piano.
It was the third concert in a series of four celebrating what would have been the great saxophonist’s 80th birthday this year.
They started rather nervously – perhaps the musicians were daunted by what they have to live up to. But once Denys Baptiste launched into the distinctive fanfare of the opening saxophone melody, the group’s confidence returned.
And very soon afterwards, when the volume decreased and the signature bass line appeared on its own – the key motif of the suite – you could almost hear Coltrane murmuring “a love supreme”.
Gradually the group developed the confidence to start and express themselves and enjoy the occasion and this is what is needed for to give the work justice the musicians need much freedom of expression.
Sticking within the parameters set by John Coltrane, the spirit and the power of the music was with them and they were full of motivation and gusto.
Significantly, the ensemble recognised the importance of the refrains that make the piece so wonderful, not only with the “a love supreme” hook but also when Gary Crosby reprised the double-stopped melody on his double-bass in the third part of the piece, Pursuance.
Perhaps one of the most outstanding moments came when Baptiste sparred with Youngs, his drum sticks moving so fast they almost seemed to be animated rather than real.
The synergy between the pair was immense; they took the work to the extremes, each responding to the others’ improvisation.
The original was Coltrane’s dedication to God and this performance was still infused with a great sense of spirituality.
It was a full blooded interpretation, not shying away from the dissonance and passion of the original.
Now, if you don’t know the original go and get it, sit back, close your eyes and play it loud.
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