Steve wrote a detailed view of the first set of this wonderful gig…
JOHN LAW’S RE CREATIONS SETLIST AT FLEECE JAZZ, 11/12/24
Last night, John Law returned to Fleece Jazz with his Re Creations quartet, a project that showcases the leader’s distinctive and innovative arrangements of well-known classical pieces, jazz standards, rock and pop songs, as well as soundtracks from film and shows. They were last here in 2022 with the same line-up when they stunned us with the rapport that they had generated in such a short space of time after the hiatus of lockdown. Two and a half years later, Law’s arrangements are as inventive and tightly orchestrated as before but full of unexpected twists and turns, with plenty of room allowed for collective and individual improvisation and self-expression. Once again, we were treated to an eclectic selection of numbers from various genres, including classical music, early ‘70s and ‘80s rock through to the well-crafted pop of Abba, interspersed with traditional folk tunes, as well as popular tunes from the 1930s and modal jazz from the 1950s.
The arrangements were wondrous and often quite complex, effortlessly held together by John Law’s prodigious skill and invention on the keyboards with the spirit and talent of each member of the band shining through, not least in the “solos”.
The rendition of ‘Cavatina’ illustrates just a snapshot of how extraordinary a gig this was and one that was sadly ill-attended. The number was ushered in by an extended passage of unaccompanied piano, with Law making extensive use of counterpoint, a quiet, contemplative, improvised piano solo before segueing into the main tune with the highly animated Alex Goodyear producing the most delicate touch on shimmering cymbals. John doubled up on acoustic piano and electric keyboard, from which he was able to generate a broad range of sounds, including electric piano, organ and a variety of synths. Sam Crockatt sketched the familiar melody on soft, breathy tenor saxophone, accompanied by the gentle sway of Goodyear’s brushes. A combination of piano and string synth sounds underscored Henrik Jensen’s melodic pizzicato bass solo.
Thank you to John for being so gracious in discussing with me some of the references in the main tunes, too. He has an easy-going manner and invariably makes himself available between sets whenever I have seen him at Fleece Jazz. He enjoys discussing the music with the fans.
So I am busy at the sound and lighting boards, the latter not behaving. I have no opportunity to take notes. But music as wonderful as this stays in the memory. So here are a few comments on the evening.
Before “You and the Night and the Music” in the second set, John announced that what the band was about to play had been rehearsed in many soundchecks but never played to an audience; they were going to brave it. It was a fascinating, very up-tempo arrangement with some stunning rhythms. Alex laid down the vibe. The interaction between Alex and John was intense, both of them grinning. Boy, do they know how to create builds and tension. Afterwards, he told us that the tune was in 15/16 time signature. Work that one out.
The gig was constructed around John’s amazing technique, both as a player and an arranger. Everybody had opportunities to shine as soloists. Sam’s solo on “Smoke on the Water” was memorable. His obligato under other soloists was lovely.
Davis’ “So What” from the iconic recording “Kind of Blue” was rhythmically different from the original 4/4. There were echoes of Evans from John. Henrik and Alex had a great battle on this one.
After the gig, the band packed up quickly to return to the west country. The crew floated home on the memory of a standout gig.
Take care,
Dave
JOHN LAW’S RECREATIONS “MANY MOONS” SETLIST,
FLEECE JAZZ 13/11/24
- Let’s Face the Music and Dance (Irving Berlin)
- Bella Ciao (Italian Traditional folk song)
- Va, Pensiero, sull’ali dorate (better known as the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from the opera Nabucco (Giuseppe Verdi)
- Solo Introduction to Cavatina (John Law)
- Cavatina – theme from The Deerhunter (Stanley Myers)
- Mamma Mia (Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson) as performed by ABBA with aspects of ‘Canon’ (Johann Pachelbel) and ‘Go West’ (Jacques Morali, Henri Belolo, Victor Willis) as performed by Pet Shop Boys
* * * * * * *
- House of the Rising Sun (American Traditional folk song)
- Smoke on the Water (Ian Gillan/Ritchie Blackmore) as performed by Deep Purple
- So What (Miles Davis)
- Pavane for a Dead Princess (Maurice Ravel)
- Eye of a Tiger (Frankie Sullivan/Jim Peterik) as performed by the American rock band Survivor
- You and the Night and the Music (Arthur Schwartz/Howard Dietz) from the Broadway show Revenge with Music
- I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You (Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George David Weiss) as recorded by Elvis Presley