Samay and Sheppard
A quick plug, first, for Kendell’s Bistro in Leeds. opposite The Venue and very close to the West Yorkshire Playhouse – french-style food – lots of choice – lots of fish – and opens at 5.30 so you can have a leisurely meal and still get to the gig / show.
A double bill at The Venue. First up a stunningly good Indo-jazz outfit called Samay – guitar, sarod, tabla, saxophone and bass. Their own tunes – exciting improvisations- good beat- nice varied set. Bought the CD and it’s good at home too. Hadn’t heard of them before – but glad I went.
The hook was Andy Sheppard and his group, which included Arild Anderson and Oyvind Aarset plus a guitarist and a drummer who could play tabla with his left hand and a standard drum kit with his right. They produced a really nice sound – I thought it was very Norwegian – it had that slightly ethereal quality – but that might have been the ECM sound. Some nice solos from the band and Sheppard very tuneful. I look forward to getting the latest CD and listening with attention.