Courtney Pine – ‘Europa’

Although Pine is the focal point (he is after all a big name in contemporary British jazz), he has surrounded himself with such consummate musicians that it is more an ensemble than a soloist with a backing group. On the night each part of the ensemble was given his/her moment to stretch their improvised jazz wings, flourished with bossanova beats, Senegalese blues or classical chord progressions. The free form jazz movements were too much for this reviewer, however you can’t help but to be in awe of their expert musicianship. Pine himself provided imperious rich tones via his bass clarinet. Mmmmmmmmm, nice.

Pavilion Theatre, Worthing, 14 July 2012

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