Jazz Re:Fest 2018

For its sixth annual showcase of progressive UK jazz performers, London collective Jazz re:freshed decamped to the seaside. Musicians Company Young Musician Award winner Daniel Casimir impressed early on with his smooth bass wanderings, as did duo Blue Lab Beats, whose genre-blending hip-hop and electronica offered an unusual and infectious spin on the template. The Herbie Hancock-inspired Ruby Rushton’s high-energy fusion raised a smile, as did the booming brass of the majestic Seed Ensemble. The highlight, to these rock-biased ears, though, was the soaring psychedelia of spellbinding drummer Yussef Dayes, whose improv trio brought intricate guitar noise to an overly polite afternoon.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 22 July 2018
Rating:
Nick Aldwinckle