Where to start with this? Well we went in with an open mind and mildly excited that we would be enjoying the talents of possibly the UK's most highly acclaimed trombonist. That said, I was in a bit of a mood that a) I'd just lost the tickets to Radio 1's Big Weekend and b) I'd had a lousy day at work which would probably be followed by a torturous client visit the following day.
Anyway, we entered the hall in the Royal Nothern College of Music to find as expected an eclectic bunch of people taking their seats. Lights went down and half a dozen musicians, including Dennis Rollins himself took their place on stage. Musically it got off to a fairly slow start and I was beginning to imagine myself in a cruise ship dinner dance before the free-form contemporary jazz style took over. I've got to admit that I really tried to like it - but I've decided that atonal off-time signature musical ramblings are not my thing. One look at Phil confirmed that it wasn't his flavour either and summed it up perfectly, saying: 'I think I prefer it when they all play the same piece..' Indeed.
Downing a quick drink in the interval, we went back in for the second set where we enjoyed the more traditional jazz stylings and interpretations of modern tunes (Tracy Chapman's Fast Car a highlight) though by then I'd had enough and was more focussed on the impending horror of a day I'd have the next day, so we departed.
Overall it's a great venue for technical music performances and there is a good vibe, but contemporary jazz is not my flavour.
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