THE first ever Gateshead International Jazz Festival kicked off in spectacular style providing the audience with music that had pulses racing from the outset.

Warm-up act John Surman played a short set before the main show and gave a West Country take on American jazz made up of saxophone solos that quickly went from being beautiful to boisterous.

McCoy Tyner, the fleet-fingered legend, impressed with long percussive piano chords, occasionally punctuated with long and complex, well-timed drum solos by Al Forster. As well maintaining a rapid fire drum beat to support the meanest pianist around, Forster managed to delight on his own with a series of awesomely powerful pieces.

Bassist George Mraz was also to demonstrate his own formidable talent on the cello, making the instrument bounce with life.

The songs flowed effortlessly into one another and the trio played as one.

McCoy Tyner made his name contributing to the music of The John Coltrane Quartet in the 1960s and has continued to influence the changing nature of modern jazz. He brought his only live UK performance to Gateshead and the audience was thirsty with anticipation for the set.

And they were not disappointed. Each track was diverse and I was unable to tell in which direction it was going. This was refreshing and you appreciate the genius behind talent at this level.

After an endless encore, the trio left to a well-deserved standing ovation.

Verdict: Nice.

Published: 22/03/2005