Finally back in the USA after RIO & then a week in England seeing family and friends. Here's my review:-
Day one was excellent, first up Jean Louis with Bela Quartet, experimental jazz played with a string quartet, they were at their best when all playing together and making a racket, less so when the two parts played separately. Alec K Redfearn and the Eyesores, were great as usual, played a bunch of songs off the new album, no eurorack this time so less noodly effects but still a pretty psychedelic sound, lots of people up front dancing. Chromb! were a big surprise, tight, loose, heavy, fast turn on a dime rock/jazz with lots of humor. Don't remember them being as excellent 4 years ago here.
Day 2 started with 3 soloists getting 30 minute sets on the small stage, first some instrumental acoustic guitar, then Bob Drake playing his fun punchy songs, most less than a couple of minutes with bizarre lyrics, very enjoyable, lastly some sort of performance art with lots of feedback, snaps stamped feet, more art than music, most found it interesting. The first main act was PinioL, loud heavy fast, bonkers, fun. Pretty much full on for their full set, exhausting but superb. I struggled with Albert Mancoeur as I have no French, it was primarily vocal narrative to Bela Quartet string accompaniment, I left after about 20 minutes but he was very well received by an appreciative crowd. Last up were Free Salamander Exhibit, a terrific performance full of theatrics, energy, fast moving changes and crunchiness. Loved it.
Day 3 started with the excellent Camembert, very zappaesque, particularly the Grand Wazoo era, loads of kitsch, humor and theatrics, good use of horns, harp and vibes. One of the hits of the festival. Next was Jean Louis, alone this time, experimental avant jazz with loads of distortion and effects, superb. 3rd was Polymorphie, another of the Lyon based bands, poetic vocals in English and French with crunchy zeuhl like backing, very good. Last was Ptah, a Magma cover band, tight and energetic without the PR issues.
Overall an excellent festival, very well run with a terrific line up and loads of friends to sit and chat wit. Had a great time.
------------- Ian
Host of the Post-Avant Jazzcore Happy Hour on Progrock.com
https://podcasts.progrock.com/post-avant-jazzcore-happy-hour/
|