Tuesday 1 July 2008

Stefano Di Battista and Herbie Hancock




Last nights double bill of Italian Sax maestro Stefano Di Battista and Herbie Hancock was a superb double bill of eclectic playing and high energy jazz.
Battista playing mostly tracks from his latest album 'Trouble Shootin' was on fire from the moment he took the stage, playing long blistering runs and then some delicate melodic interplay with trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso.
Di Battistas compositions 'Under her spell' and 'I will love you' sat beautifully with Kenny Burrell's 'Midnight blue' and to cap off a great show Baptiste Trotignos on Hammond and Greg Hutchinson on drums never put a foot (or note) wrong.
When it comes to Herbie Hancock these days it is fair to say that you must always expect the unexpected. Tonight's performance was no exception. From Joni (River) to Headhunters (Actual Proof) with a little Leon Russell song more recently covered by Christine Aguilera (A song for you) thrown in 'because I just love this song'.
The show was a roller coaster ride of virtuoso playing, be it Dave Hollands really poignant bass solo, Lionel Louke's african interlude or Herbies own solo spot where for nearly 20 minutes he kept 7,500 people on the edge of their seats, silently waiting for his next note or chord - quite extraordinary!
The show came to its climax with 'Watermelon Man' and 'Cantaloupe Island', both greeted with huge applause and played out as though brand new compositions that were as fresh as this mornings croissants and coffee and just as tasty!
There have been mixed reviews of this 'River of Possibilities' tour but this was a special show everyone on stage played their part and shone.
Brilliant!!
Herbie Hancock (Keyboards), Dave Holland (Bass), Lionel Louke (Guitar), Vinnie Colaiuta (Drums), Chris Potter (Sax), Sonya Kitchell (Vocals), Amy Keys (Vocals).

1 comment:

Edition on Tour said...

very jealous...sounds like Herbie was great! Dave