Seckou Keita 17/10/12

For the second time in under a month I was off to see a Kora player - this time the more well known Seckou Keita. the band featured two vocalists apart from Seckou himself, a bassist, a drummer, someone who alternated between drums and a vibes-like instrument (a balafon) and a guitarist. He featured a lot of tracks from their latest album, 'Miro'. The title track was the last song before the interval and that was the highlight for me. The vocalists were trading vocals with Seckou, the rhythm was hypnotic and the band was in the west african zone. Other than that it was excellent stuff but I think I longed for a purer less orchestrated sound. The kora and some percussion just about does it for me and the full band plus the sight of older white men dancing to the songs detracted from that vibe a little.

Tim Richards 13/10/2012

This was a special gig in three parts - one was Tim's current trio, one a piano duet and one a bigger band with a couple of featured brass players from Tim's previous bands. The musicians were on great form and the full-house audience enthusiastic. Tim's piano playing was confident, nuanced and lively throughout. I enjoy his gigs more and more. Highlights for me were 'Bolivia' from the threesome, 'Funk' from the piano duets and the final two tracks from the big band, 'Ticket to Tomorrow' and 'Shapeshifting'. The two young musicians in the band were very impressive, Peter Ibbetson on drum was subtle and assured and the vibes player Ralph Wyld after a cautious start contributed well, not overawed in a band full of old lags. Ed Jones and Dick Pearce on sax and trumpet respectively were as expected excellent soloists and all in all it was great occasion.