Peter Brötzmann

Free jazz saxophonist Brötzmann played his only UK gig of the year backed by a drummer and double bassist, all attacking their instruments with gusto to the delight of the appreciative-bearded-men audience. Brötzmann coaxed an impressive variety of sounds from his saxophone during the powerful hour-long set, emulating bird chirping, a soulful kazoo, or an upset drunkard depending on what the improvisational moment asked for. All three performers were excellent, shifting moods perfectly, with the bassist going from drone to mad to smooth styles effortlessly and the drummer’s rim-tapping solo standing out as a highlight. Fascinating, difficult, engrossing and brilliant.

Green Door Store, 13 January 2013

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