Allan Holdsworth: Jazz Cafe London 26th Nov 2007

Just back from last night's gig, for which Allan announced immediately after the first number "It is both really nice to be back in London, but also quite scary". I started to write down the setlist: The Fifth, Fred (hey I can whistle to that!!), Water On The Brain, but got so tied up the music, forgot to write anything else down. The tail end of Water On The Brain was fluffed, but Allan smiled (yes in deed),  acknowledged it and moved on.  All in all 75-80 minutes of superbly played stuff. Fan were packed into the Jazz Cafe small floor in front the trio, but I found that sitting with some comfort at the front of the club watching the band through the bar, gave an excellent view and good sound. The guys came out after their set to sign autographs and talk - I embarrassed myself,  so apologies to the few involved including Allan, and it boiled down to lack of familiarity with my new digital camera and not passing instructions to a willing helper!! A few celebs: Bill Bruford (confirmed when I asked Wackerman), who left after the third number and actor Julian ("I only want to talk about Allan Holdsworth") Barnett of my daughter's favourite comedy TV duo, the Mighty Boosh  - and an autograph gained!!!. Talking with one muso sitting next to me, we both agreed whilst  waiting for the set to start (over two hours.....), the club dj produced some particularly unsympathetic tracks.

 

My summary: Holdsworth in the UK twice a year: wow. Equally as good as the Holdsworth-Pasqua set at Queen Elizabeth Hall, but different because of the different line-ups and instrumentation and I'm pretty sure Allan feeling more comfortable in the club setting of the Jazz Cafe rather than the theatrical arena. Brits make sure you catch Holdsworth Wackerman and Johnson on the rest of their (very rare) UK tour,