Saruzu Quartet CD launch – Sat 20 December 2008 – The Old Museum

The Bear says:

We found out about this event because we're on the mailing list of (the late?) Stringmansassy, and thus we learned that the incomparable vocalist of that duo, Kacey Patrick, would be appearing at this gig. The fact that Red Chair, who manage both Stringmansassy and Saruzu Quartet, described this as "fiery flamenco-tango-jazz... the rich harmonies of Argentine tango, the wild improvisations of gypsy jazz and the fire and grace of flamenco" give us a second reason to go along, and the fact that it was being presented at the Old Museum gave us a third! We duly headed in tonight, accompanied by some picnic snacks, as advised by the promoter!

Well – the venue was nothing less than amazing. A section of the old museum had been divided off by fabric that floated down from the ceiling high, high above. Tables had been set up and decorated with flickering candles (battery powered, unfortunately, but still...) The whole vibe was mellow indeed, with a distinct cabaret flavour.

The support act was a touring Canadian solo performer, Ann Vriend, who sang and accompanied herself on the piano. Her music is sultry, quirky, and very smart. Unfortunately, the sound mix let her down a bit; music that's as lyrically intelligent as this really needs the vocals to come right out to the front. Instead, I found myself straining to make out the words a lot of the time. Definitely an exciting find though, and a back-catalogue I think we'll need to collect.

Saruzu Quartet presented a solid set in the world music tradition: lots of energetic gypsy fiddling, and irresistible Flamenco rhythms stamped out by dancer Simone Pope. A particularly memorable part of the performance was bassist Andrew Shaw pulling off a solo that I wouldn't have previously thought possible on a double bass. The real treat for me, however, was hearing Kacey Patrick's unique, magic voice in performance once again.

Tonight was so wonderful in many ways. Saruzu's music was joyful and vivacious, the venue was so perfectly atmospheric, and I really hope that Red Chair organises something like this again soon.