Shabaka Hutchings review – soaring to unfettered heights

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In the last ten years, the strong and distinct sound of Shabaka Hutchings’s saxophone has been a consistent presence in the British jazz community. Whether playing with his double-drummer group Sons of Kemet, creating lengthy and repetitive melodies in the psychedelic jazz trio Comet Is Coming, or adding a screeching edge to the punk-inspired Melt Yourself Down, Hutchings’s playing always maintains a powerful impact.

The level of skill displayed by the musician has had an impact, as Hutchings has revealed that he will be temporarily stepping away from playing the saxophone in 2024 to concentrate on the more calming sounds of other woodwind instruments.

This evening’s show marks the saxophonist’s final performance, and it is fittingly dedicated to interpreting John Coltrane’s iconic 1965 spiritual jazz album, A Love Supreme. The half-hour piece is a tribute to the record’s syllabic rhythm and emphasizes the importance of both collective harmony and individual skill in bringing its repeated melodies to life.

During his 90-minute performance, Hutchings expertly maintains this equilibrium. He is joined by a talented group of musicians, including four drummers and two bassists. On his tenor sax, Hutchings delivers a powerful rendition of the record’s central theme, seamlessly transitioning between precise melodies and energetic, complex runs. In Part Two of the suite, titled “Resolution,” he breaks free from traditional structure, driven by the four drummers to reach higher and higher notes until his saxophone squeals between his fingers.

Hutchings displays his skill as both a musician and bandleader, showcasing his power and control. During a section where he directs all four percussionists in a complex drum break, he adds sharp bursts of the piccolo flute to lead them into Part Three: Pursuance. His fellow Sons of Kemet drummers, Eddie Hick and Tom Skinner, create contrasting rhythms with their pounding beats, but Hutchings effortlessly dances over them and ends with a solo saxophone performance. He seamlessly transitions from circular breathing and arpeggios to a soft rustle of breath, leaving the audience in awe.

Hutchings showcases both the strength and delicacy of his instrument with a blend of controlled power and unrestrained expression. Despite potentially giving up his saxophone, Hutchings has solidified himself as one of its most skilled players, hinting at even greater achievements in his future musical endeavors.

Source: theguardian.com