High point of 2007 returns to the Bimhuis

Witnessing Evan Parker demonstrating his mastery at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Cité de la Musique last summer, on a special night that was meant to introduce Tom Jenkinson to the world of improvised music, was truly one of the high points of my year. In all honesty, I traveled to London to watch the man known for his experimental hyperrhythms - Squarepusher - perform new work for the first time. His solo bass performance, a 40 minute deconstructed Squarepusheresque set of composed works for 6-string bass guitar only (no drums, no effects), was a thrilling encounter with a man looking for his musical identity (here is my review of the London performance).

Evan Parker and Tom Jenkinson together in Paris in 2007. Photo: Juha van ‘t Zelfde

However, in retrospect, and overviewing both the London and Paris performances, it was Evan Parker who made the lasting impression. Especially during that tricky night in Paris, where Parker, unannounced, played a mind-blowing 45 minutes straight without catching his breath. The unaccustomed audience, seemingly unprepared for his appearance, mischievously tried to end Parker’s performance after 30 minutes by clapping, but Parker, grinning, continued his piece to the bitter-sweet end. A micro Sacre du Printemps moment, ironically, in Paris. Memorable.

Evan Parker in Paris. Photo: Juha van ‘t Zelfde

The amicable virtuoso saxophonist was also one of the high points at the Bimhuis in 2007. This time with a new trio, assembled by drummer Michael Vatcher, completed by the multiple award winning composer and keyboard player Richard Barrett. Unfortunately I had missed this night, so I am not reluctant to say this is one highly anticipated concert. It is one of those rare moments in the year Bimhuis artistic director Huub van Riel singles out - the man is widely known to be loyal to all visiting artists (although last week he philosophically stated that ‘there is only one Phil Minton‘). Let’s blame it on Parker’s irresistible presence on and off stage.

Parker/Barrett/Vatcher are to perform at the Bimhuis on Wednesday 20 February. The concert starts at 9 PM, and the entrance fee is 14 euros. Visit bimhuis.nl for more information.

Related posts:  Support your local music venue  //  Pierre Bastien, Tom Jenkinson and Evan Parker at Cité de la Musique  //  Improvisation in modern classical music  //  Tom Jenkinson and Evan Parker live at Queen Elizabeth Hall  //  Tom Jenkinson and Evan Parker  //