Zoe Rahman

Rahman returned to town, this time as leader of a solid and playful quartet and delivered a dazzling set drawing heavily on her British/Bengali roots. With many pieces touching on Irish reels and Indian influences, the musicians’ solos were expansive and enthralling; all enjoying and feeding off each other. Late replacement drummer Cheryl Alleyne, on only her second outing with the group, proved to be an inspired addition whose energetic runs never intruded. An Ellington makeover and Stevie Wonder’s funky ‘Contusion’ worked well and the quality of the original pieces showed Rahman is a major force in British jazz.

Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, 13 May 2013

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