An evening of captivating live music in a chilled, laid-back setting.
In the wonderful, intimate setting of the Broomhill Art Hotel, the audience was treated to a fresh and exciting concert by the Laura Jurd Quartet comprising Laura Jurd on trumpet, Elliot Galvin on piano, Conor Chaplin on bass and Corrie Dick on drums, all members of the
The young musicians presented with real style and class. It is clear that they are excellent technical musicians; what was more striking was the exciting improvisation, superbly tight ensemble playing and the intelligent composition of the original music written by the quartet members.
Most of the lead sheet tunes, around which the ensemble improvised, were composed by Laura who was nominated last week for the prestigious BASCA British Composer Award for Contemporary Jazz Composition. Particularly outstanding was Sognefjord, a piece inspired by Laura’s trip to Norway last year, and Country Maidens, a lighthearted folk-style tune that the quartet tackled with energy and skill. The four young musicians have mastered their communication as a quartet beautifully, changing tempo and style frequently whilst keeping absolutely together.
Elliot Galvin composed one of the pieces called A Major. The sweeping melodic style of this piece contrasted beautifully with the music the quartet had performed to that point and the composition was richly harmonic.
Corrie Dick was astounding on the drums. Having always been a huge fan of jazz percussion I was not disappointed by his inventive solos which he played with a wonderful humour, whilst never losing time or drifting too far from the style of the piece.
Last but certainly not least was Conor Chaplin on the bass. Quietly keeping the bass line tripping along it was almost possible to take his excellent playing for granted, yet when he gave us his funky solos he really showed his skill.
I am confident that I have just seen four of the UK’s jazz stars of the future and I will be watching the Laura Jurd Quartet and the Chaos Collective closely from now on.
Laura’s debut album, Landing Ground, is released on 5th November 2012 on the Chaos Collective label.
