Space Case jazz

Press, 30 October 1981, Page 5

Space Case jazz

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PETER BRITTENDEN

Only about 250 people were at the James Hay Theatre on Wednesday evening to hear some of the most refreshing and exciting jazz played in Christchurch for manv months.

Space Case, with two aliens from New York, played 2*2 hours of jazz which ranged from tense and exciting Miles Davis compositions to some rollicking sambas from Brazil.

The musicians in Space Case are Aucklanders but they are competent enough to be received favourably anywhere in the world.

Frank Gibson junior (drums) and Bruce Lynch (bass) provide the foundation for the band. Gibson epitomises modern jazz drumming. He is aggressive, decisive, and plays a role much more

prominent than just maintaining the tempo. Lynch not only provided a solid base for the soloists but played several extended solos which were filled with colour and tone. Brian Smith (tenor and soprano saxophone) was amazingly versatile. His playing ranged from uninhibited free jazz to the discipline of the jazz-rock sound. Playing all sorts of key-

boards was Murray McNabb who enhanced everything the band performed. Space Case filled in the first hour of the concert with five compositions written by either Smith or McNabb. "Hibiscus Coast." written by Smith, rollicked along in ail sorts of tempi. Gibson provided the innovative tempo changes and McNabb and Smith took turns exploring the inventive melody. The set was completed with the McNabb tune. "Funk City.” Lynch and Gibson introduced a marvellously intense rock tempo here and this provided a suitable vehicle for Smith's tenor saxophone.

The second half was dominated by the two New Yorkers. Claudio Roditi on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Ron McClure, on base. The flavour of Roditi's

native Brazil was introduced through two Antonio Jobim compositions, and two Miles Davis numbers — "So What" and "Walking" — completed the concert. The sound Roditi. McClure. Smith. McNabb, and Gibson created on "Walking" was magnificent. Every musician played a fantastic solo and the coordination between Smith and Roditi was effortless. All the concert lacked was a big enough audience to ensure that Space Case, with visiting friends, plays in Christchurch again. It is to be hoped it will return because this band totally demonstrates that New Zealand jazz musicians have come of age.

Space Case is thoroughly professional and one of the most exciting bands I have seen and heard.