08 November 2016 (gig)
09 November 2016
The JazzMi festival has many wonderful jazz artists playing in selected theatres all over Milano over a 10 day period this month and today it is the turn of the maverick genius Jacob Collier. We are at the delightful Teatro dell’Arte, set in the Sempione Park. A magnificent structure with a really wonderful stage in the basement area, the setting and sound nigh on perfect for band and spectator.
First up however is Bill Laurence, keyboard collaborator with the funky band Snarky Puppy, playing tonight as a 4 piece band. With an album of studio material ‘Aftersun’ released earlier this year, and an about to be released ‘Live at Union Chapel’ promising great things, the band hit the stage, clearly in fine form, relaxed and ready to groove with their contemporary ambient jazz style with a pleasant soulful bent. Felix Higginbottom added seductive percussion rhythms but its Bill Laurence’s very balanced but sharp piano and synth melodies that appeal no end.
Jacob Collier bounces onto the stage decked out in a dalmation like spotted t-shirt full of enthusiasm to be playing for the first time in Milan after a few cancelled gigs of late, due to illness. But being only 22 he looked fine to me and so hitting his harmoniser he launches into Stevie Wonder’s ‘Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing’ which he proceeds to create and build up, all by himself, playing a succession of instruments from keyboards to drums, from bass to percussive objects.
It’s quite a spectacle to see and take part in, with JC rushing around with boundless energy going from one instrument to another whilst cajoling the crowd to actively participate. It’s not what you normally see on a jazz stage or even a rock stage if not for singers who rush around dispensing or receiving adulation. It reminds me of a kitchen restaurant where all the chefs have left bar one, and he/she moves around from stove to oven, picking up pans and plates timing everything to get the dish just right.
The meal however that is served is mouth watering. Jacob really can handle it all well and aided by help at the mixing desk to assimilate and keep things together and innovatory visual effects portrayed on a back screen where multiple Colliers seem to play, it’s fun and captivating. I personally would like it to be 100% live maybe with warts and all, but Jacob is young, eager to put on an exciting show, so there is no drop in the groove, thanks to the mixing desk, and so no unexpected mishaps.
Strangely enough, for me at least, it’s not his eclectic musical and innovative technical abilities that are the highlight of the evening but the way he uses his four-range octave abilities with the vocoder harmoniser such as on the track ‘In My room’ and his exquisite piano/ vocal performances of ‘Hideaway’ and ‘In The Real early Morning’ where his genius is expressed both by their compositional and performance levels.
When Jacob Collier really loosens up and maybe prepares to go over the edge, like when Columbus set sail for the unknown, there really will be no limit for this young Londoner and we along with him will be able to share in a new musical world.
