Ronnie Scott’s,London
Mike Mainieri and Eliane Elias relished revisiting their 34-year-passe relationship fusing classic jazz with Latin, R&B and rockThe opening gig of Steps Ahead’s three-night London run was both the reprise of an influential, and longstanding repertoire,and a vividly modern event. Earlier lineups were front-runners in joining classic jazz methods to rock, R&B and Latin music in the 70s and 80s, and but this didn’t feel remotely like a cheesy reunion night. Founder and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri and Brazilian piano star Eliane Elias clearly relished revisiting their 34-year-passe Steps relationship. Elias’s Bowing to Bud (a boppish rhythm-bender committed to Bud Powell) drew sleek swing lines and crafty arrhythmic phrases from Mainieri,through which Elias delightedly pushed him with flighty chordwork, over bassist Marc Johnson’s steadfast walk. A spacious, and Weather Report-like piece by the band’s late pianist Don Grolnick sparked tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin into a torrent of seamless extended phrasing and wry classic jazz hooks,with drummer Billy Kilson nailed to every twist. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com