10 EVENT REVIEW London Jazz Festival: David Murray Big Band Ft Macy Gray


The Barbican attracted a sell out crowd for one of the most looked forward to events of the London Jazz Festival series. This being a collaborative venture between two Grammy award-winning artists, saxophonist David Murray accompanied by his 14 piece ‘Big Band’ and the amazing talent of soulstress Macy Gray.


A


packed auditorium prepared itself to be ‘Stomping and Singin the Blues’ in over two


hours of music which easily transported listeners to a blues joint in New York.


Macy Gray entered the stage like a true jazz diva, donning an afro and full length sequined fuchsia pink dress. This was the first of four looks she worn throughout the course of the night, which could have been classed as a touch eccentric, considering she only featured on four tracks. Her presence however didn’t dominate the show, as she casually flittered on and off the stage between intervals. Macy’s raspy voice complimented the brass tones of the full band on stage as we were treated to new material from David Murray’s yet to be released album and compositions by Ms. Gray.


‘Hope Is A Thing With A Feather’ told a story of immigration through music, although an interesting concept, it made a beautiful composition. Different sections


relayed different moods with both the piano and the sax taking lead. This was grandly finished by a solo piece by David, who reached notes on his sax that could almost be likened to a female screaming.


From what seemed to be a match made in heaven, the collaboration between Macy and the band did not flow as seamlessly as expected. Tracks were slightly off at times disturbing the natural flow between arrangements and were cleverly masked by impromptu jam sessions by the band. However the sheer talent displayed by all the musicians involved clearly overrode any signs of disorganisation.


www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk • Words: Lesley B Images: Emile Holba


Macy Gray entered the stage like a true jazz diva, donning an afro and full length sequined fuchsia pink dress. This was the first of four looks worn throughout the course of the night, which could have been classed as a touch eccentric


Images: Emile Holba www.emileholba.co.uk


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