Music / latin-jazz
Review: Jim Blomfield’s Saoco Collective ‘In Memory of Jason Gaines’, Lantern
This could have been a sombre occasion, overshadowed as it was by the passing away in June of Saoco Collective conga player Jason Gaines. A very much loved musician and personality in the Bristol Latin music scene, Jason’s sudden tragic death had a huge impact, especially for his family – many of whom came to the gig – and also for those musical colleagues who enjoyed both his considerable percussion skills and the warmth of his friendship. When this event had been booked Jason was expected to be on stage and thus his absence was itself a powerful presence throughout, something acknowledged several times by pianist and bandleader Jim Blomfield. But, while dedicated to Jason’s memory, the gig was a feast of the exuberant Latin music he loved playing and thus much more of a joyful celebration of his life and legacy.
Saoco Collective: Martin Kern, Jonny Bruce, Michal Padron Photo: Tony Benjamin
It started cautiously with a Latin take on jazz standard Work Song, giving saxophonist Martin Kern, trumpeter Michal Padron and Jim himself the chance to warm up with solo workouts. That introduced an improvised percussion piece from Mike Vince, a study in texture rather than rhythm. If his melodic use of bells left an elegiac mood then it was blasted away by a three horn onslaught, Jonny Bruce joining the other two to add his trademark swerving high notes. And once the tight percussion of Mongo’s Groove kicked in, with Tammy Payne’s snapping congas woven into Jon Clark’s kit drum, bass player Tosh Wijetunge let rip a splendid solo and it was clear things were heading up.
Saoco Collective: Tammy Payne, Jon Clarke, Myke Vince Photo: Tony Benjamin
What makes this band such a standout is that, while steeped in Latin music, all of the players’ jazz background brings an element of individuality within that discipline. As a result the music sounds both authentic and original at the same time – a rare combination to pull off. Their rumba-driven version of the standard Nothing Personal allowed Jonny Bruce to go for it, Cuban style, squirting high notes and rapid fire bursts while Martin Kern in his turn rode the groove with hard bop elegance. It was held together by Jim’s insistent montuno piano and Tammy’s congas, with the latter bursting into a brilliant solo that even Tammy herself seemed impressed by.
is needed now More than ever
Saoco Collective: Jim Blomfield Photo: Tony Benjamin
The second set saw a shift in personnel towards another project – the Buena Bristol Social Club, Jim and Michal’s tribute to the album that relaunched the careers of Cuban musical legends and lit a worldwide appreciation of their musical culture. Jackson Lapes took over on congas, Sol Ahmed on bass and Jon Clark shifted to timbales, the crisp lead drums that make that salsa sound. The difference was immediately apparent – this was more tightly disciplined, the music drawn directly from the Cuban repertoire with the percussion upfront in the sound.
Saoco Collective: Michal Padron, Luisa Santiago, Jon Clarke Photo: Tony Benjamin
The arrival of vocalist Luisa Santiago was the icing on the cake – the modulated power of her astonishing voice, her expressive face and sinuous dancing took us straight to the Caribbean. Classics like Celia Cruz’ Toro Mata sprang to life as did her duet with fellow Cuban Michal on the beautifully poised Dos Gardenias. The latter had been introduced by Jim’s memorable piano improvisation that subtly moved from meditative jazz into the Latin mode, with Michal’s trumpet adding a scorching interlude to the song.
Saoco Collective: Michal Padron, Luisa Santiago, Jon Clarke Photo: Tony Benjamin
By this stage there was dancing in the aisles, notably from the Gaines family contingent and the many musicians in the audience, and things stayed in party mode to the final notes of Quizas, Quizas, Quizas, squeezed in as an encore in response to undeniable popular demand. While the untimely loss of Jason Gaines was clearly felt by all at the event it felt totally appropriate to celebrate his life through this impeccable fiesta of Latin music.
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