| . |
p26
It's a Thursday evening and the Vortex benefit, hosted by guitarist Deirdre
Cartwright and Vortex creator David Mossman, is blowing up a storm at Ocean. The odds are
on will David, not known for his singing, nevertheless give us a song? Meanwhile a trio
of N16 fans sit scribbling 'post-it' notes with tributes to the musicians.
Slap, slap, slap, on the table for the frenetic
 |
Sarah-Jane Morris at Ocean
|
Zappatistas who unleash Frank Zappa's manic anthems with astonishing discipline. In an
atmosphere of carnival, they evince the gusto and precision of a military brass band on
acid. Keyboards supremo Steve Lodder manfully orchestrates a row of brass stalwarts and
John Etheridge on yelping lead guitar. Amidst barks, rattles and squeaks a percussive
virtuosity emanates from the drummer and a congas-pelting Teena Lyle, pieta in black PVC
trousers.
All quiet on the 'post-it' slapping front as classical guitarist John Williams opens with
a solo, exquisitely executed. His second piece is from the Cameroons, and displays a
technique of crystalline plucking. Zappatista guitarist John Etheridge joins in a
Senegalese conversation that complements John Williams's ululating rhythms with bell-like
melodies. Chris Lawrence on bass adds musical weight at the end, enabling his instrument
to evoke a lumbering bear in truly balletic form, turning gracefully and with mesmeric
ease on the head of a pin.
Suddenly Bill Clinton, the Pope, and Irving Berlin, ring David Mossman to bid in the
auction for a lifetime membership of the
Vortex. A dizzying standoff between David's vibrating mobile phone in his trouser-pocket
and members of the audience leads to a price of £1,000. An even greater prize (could
there be such a thing?) is clinched by us N16ers £150 for yes, you've guessed it, a
song from David Mossman he becomes vocally active on stage, hand in hand with a
respectfully silent Carol Grimes.
On with the diva. Ocean's hall gives Sarah-Jane Morris the scale she deserves. Using a
curiously repetitive vertical motion with her left arm, it is as if she commands her
lymphatic system to express song. She disgorges that most visceral of sounds, the husky
and ringing articulation of a woman who can distil whiskey on her breath. 'Move On Up',
'Ever Gonna Make It?' she makes us feel that these songs come from the womb. Sustained
bravura from her band (including Mornington Lockett) provides virile support.
What do we need to continue enjoying this tidal wave of musical excellence every night of
the week? You and your friends to invest in a share (£1,000 each) of the freehold of the
Vortex. Within the first half-hour of the benefit four people took the plunge. Now it's
your turn. Go to: www.palay.ndirect.co.uk/vortex.jazz
|
. |
