I am not an expert in modern/progressive jazz, but believe it’s important to broaden one’s musical horizons

Newbury Jazz: Tom Ingvorsen

at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore

on Tuesday, February 4

Review by BRIAN HARRINGTON

I WOULD be the first to admit that I am not an expert in modern/progressive jazz, but I believe it is important to broaden one’s musical horizons.

This was a chance to hear four highly-skilled musicians perform. I shy away from the word talented, because I recognise the time and sheer hard work necessary to reach the level of expertise demonstrated in tonight's show.

Tom ( drums), a Newbury local and graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire was joined by his brother Sam on double bass, by Rick Simpson on keyboards and Dan Lockheart on sax.

The quartet opened with two of Tom’s own compositions I’ve Lost My Mind, Can You Help Me Find It? and A Place Worth Seeing. It was just a pity that the audience for the show was not larger, maybe the fact that it was a Tuesday night didn't help. Whatever the reason, anyone who wasn’t there missed an excellent show.

The arrangements of each track tonight, in best jazz style, gave each musician a chance to shine as well as to join forces as a whole. The mini-solos giving an opportunity for individuals to extemporise.

A composition by Dan, Painted House, followed and a cover of pianist McCoy Tyner’s Inner Glimpse closed the first set.

Esja, a track named after an Icelandic volcanic mountain opened the second set, followed by an atmospheric and evocative track based on a Danish composition which translates as In The Depths Of The Forest. A track written by Sam, Rags To Riches, was included before the final track The Hills Are Behind Us.

Four excellent musicians showcasing their skills both individually and together and providing a highly entertaining show in the process.

Next for Newbury Jazz will be Becca Wilkins’ Rêverie on May 6, a collection of French chanson, sung in French.

Superb.