Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio

This group certainly lived up to their name with the fast-paced opener’s dynamic poly-rhythmic drums, soaring Jimmy Smith style organ and Rollins’ trombone leading the charge. They even managed to freshen up Pink Floyd’s ‘Money’, with organist Russ Stanley pulling out all the stops for a crowd-pleasing solo. Unfortunately, I found the fragmented Summertime-sounding ‘11th Gate’ slightly heavy going but an all guns blazing ‘Freedom Jazz Dance’ perfectly redressed the balance. The second set featured a wah-wah ‘bone and a superb JBs inspired workout.

Judging by this performance British jazz is still going strong, still evolving and definitely still funky.

Komedia, 7 May 2012
Rating:
Steve Clements