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Photo taken by Joanne Buck, 2007
thoughts about...
Masters of Hard Bop, Kirk Lightsey Quartet (USA)
March 20th, The Sound Lounge
I always like to start the year with a bang. So I feel that it is only appropriate for my "thoughts '09" to begin with an electric charged night of hard bop at The Sound Lounge.
It has been 13 years since Kirk Lightsey, Detroit jazz piano extraordinaire, last performed in Sydney with iconic Australian saxophonist, Bernie McGann. The sense of anticipation emanating from audience members, who were fortunate to have experienced their previous encounter, was palpable. Lightsey and McGann were joined by Brendan Clarke (bass) and Andrew Dickeson (drums), and together they unleashed a style of jazz that transcends time and warps space.
The quartet performed a set that included standards such as In your Own Sweet Way and The Breeze and I, with each piece morphing into improvisations which pursued intricate grooves and daring harmonics. Lightsey took delight in teasing the absorbed audience with conversational ripples up the keyboard, while the potent tones erupting from McGann's ancient sax had the ability to lure the listener into an euphoric state. While exploring every possible percussive surface of the drum kit, Dickeson kept a strong leash on any furious pulse, and Clarke shone in improvisations that covered every inch of the neck.
What an explosion of sound! Lightsey's playful demeanour was in complete contrast to his lightning fast attack on the piano, and it was a joy to watch the interactions taking place between the jazz artists who appeared to be having the time of their lives.
SIMA has once again produced an unforgettable night of live music. In the difficult times ahead, it is most advisable to pay The Sound Lounge a visit, as the music is bound to either drown your worries or blow them out on a breeze.
Photo taken by Joanne Buck, 2007