Presented by The New Cabal and La Bohème
Reviewed Wednesday 12th June 2013
Let’s talk jazz, ladies and gents. Before you click off to a different page, hear me out! There are only a few things you need to know to appreciate this truly unique style of music. It’s undeniable that jazz has a distinctive sound that sets it apart from all other musical styles, and this is down to two things: The first is called syncopation. Basically, this means the main melody starts just off-beat, giving a slightly out of sync tune. The second, are the bridges of melody where each musician is given the chance to improvise their own component. In singing, it’s known as scatting.
Perhaps you’ve heard of The New Cabal? If you’re a regular at the wonderfully eclectic La Bohème, you most certainly should be. The gents regularly grace the establishment every Wednesday evening at 10.30pm throughout the year. The Cabaret Fringe Festival has provided an opportunity for a new breed of music-goers to witness this original modern jazz.
Regular members are Lyndon Gray (bass), Chris Soole (saxophone), Chris Martin (piano), and Kevin van der Zwaag (drums) with guest performer Matthew Sheens on piano. Their collective experience combined, this group has performed gigs in Adelaide, New York and Istanbul, amongst countless others.
The New Cabal is everything jazz should be: moody and risk-taking; edgy and bluesy; nonchalant and verbose. Gray looks right at home and is adept at bopping to and fro along with the beat, particularly during his improvised verses. Might I add how difficult this must be when cradling an instrument that is taller than the musician?
Soole’s cool styles command the stage and possesses that rare stage presence that emanates his musical prowess without so much as an introduction. The lads belt out impossibly fast notes in the bright songs; soft and mellow phrases in the bluesy tunes; and everything in between. They are, quintessentially, jazz. They perform a variety of pieces, including their own creations. Of particular standout, were pieces written by Soole, reportedly re-discovered quite recently.
From where I sat at the back corner of La Bohème, the audience’s reaction was unanimous: captivation and respect.
And respect where it’s due … to a quartet of incredibly talented men with some pretty powerful stories to tell with their instruments. Jazz aficionados, pop tragics, any of you, all of you … treat yourself to this crazy cool showcase.
Reviewed by Nathan Giaccio
Venue: La Bohème, 36 Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: 5, 12, 19, 26 June
Duration: 1 hour
Bookings: Cabaret Fringe Festival website
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