Music / Jazz
The week in Jazz February 27 – March 5
Does US jazz pianist Bruce Barth not know who Anders Olinder is? Of three classy jazz visitors this week, Bruce is the only one who failed to get Bristol’s Danish ex-pat into his band for the occasion. But considering Anders also plays keyboards maybe that’s less surprising. In fact the Bruce Barth Trio (Hen and Chicken, Sunday 5) is a splendidly cosmopolitan touring affair that includes UK bass player (of Hungarian origins) Arnie Somogyi and Spanish resident Irishman Stephen Keogh on drums. Bruce began his career with composing legend George Russell in the 80s before becoming a longstanding collaborator with Stanley Turrentine and later Terence Blanchard. He is generally considered a master of the classic modern jazz piano.
Fans of Anders Olinder, however, can first catch him in the company of demon jazz-rock guitarist Carl Orr (Fringe Jazz, Wednesday 1) with Marco Anderson drumming. Originally from Australia Carl came to attention in the late 90s after moving to London and featuring in Billy Cobham’s band. He’s an awesome technician and a passionate player, with inevitable echoes of John McLaughlin in his elaborate bursts, and should bring out Anders’ rockier edge.
The versatile Mr Olinder (above) will be at Gallimaufry the next night, laying down funk and groove for James Morton’s weekly Groove Den and then he’ll head down to The Bear for Friday’s Bebop Club session (3) London-based saxophonist Roberto Manzin is headlining. Italian-born Roberto has a soulful fluidity that has led to comparisons with David Sanborn and Michael Brecker but he’s also pretty big on the London Latin scene so Anders had better practice his Montuno chops in readiness.
There’s plenty of action from other local jazzers, of course, with John Pearce’s effusive classically-informed jazz violin paired with top-notch pianist David Newton at Future Inn (Thursday 2), the same night as Senegalese pianist Ibou Tall brings his Jazz Mates to the Canteen. Lovers of the unexpected should catch the Monday (27) visit of the Fringe’s monthly FringeFreeMusic with the regular house band taking full honours this month. And finally – on the more soulful end of the funky spectrum – The Lantern welcomes Detroit master musician Amp Fiddler (pictured above, Saturday 4), keyboard player, arranger and producer whose career has contributed to the work of George Clinton, J Dilla and Prince among many others. He’s still one of the Kings of Cool and his live shows combine deft instrumental economy and remorseless danceability.
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