February 18, 2010 (From The Northern Echo)

February 18, 2010

12:02pm Thursday 18th February 2010 in

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WHAT’S ON: Tomorrow, Ray Dales Quartet, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325-382676; Saturday, the Jazztones Quintet, Ship Inn, Middlestone Village, Bishop Auckland (admission at the door); Sunday Nils Petter Molvaer at The Sage, Gateshead, 0191- 443-4661.

CD REVIEWS: Vandermark-Guy- Sanders/Fox Fire (Maya MCD0901) Chicago-based free jazz saxophonist (and clarinetist) Ken Vandermark has been a regular visitor to the UK with regular appearances in Newcastle. This double CD was recorded in Birmingham and Leeds on his 2008 tour with bassist Barry Guy and percussionist Mark Sanders. There’s a wonderful group spirit throughout these two sets which is compelling, demanding an equal concentration in listening.

Stefano Battaglia-Michele Rabbia/Pastorale (ECM 271 3764) It’s very hard to describe this music, performed by Battaglia on piano and Rabbia on percussion and electronics. There isn’t an obvious jazz sensibility or pulse but both musicians have an acute awareness of sound, of its weight and balance. Each seems keenly aware of the other in what’s aptly described as “guided improvisations”.

A wide range of source material includes a tribute to choreographer Pina Bausch.