There is something completely soul stirring and electrifying about music that echoes jazz and soul.
Perhaps it’s because the music itself is so uplifting and energetic, or perhaps because we just don’t see enough of it in society – perhaps something else entirely. But whatever the reason, a good dose of jazz every so often is the perfect way to smooth over any overworked subconscious.
For a lucky few, the Corner Hotel and Directions in Groove (Dig) were willing and able to provide that service Sunday night.
First band for the evening was Nicky Bomba and Friends. Nicky wasted no time in truly invigorating the audience by grabbing a megaphone and scat singing through the crowd from the back of the room.
At one point he pointed the improvised instrument towards a lone punter’s feet as if it were a gun, demanding he “dance boy!” After heckling and scatting his way around the room he finally jumped on stage barking strict orders to “sing!” – the crowd sang.
Belting out some loud jazz-inspired drums by himself onstage, Nicky covered James Brown and “When The Saints Go Marching In” among other unique tracks. His solo efforts became the start of a set that was full of witty, comedic banter with hilariously amazing covers.
Soon after, Nicky welcomed a keys player (who was grinning for the entire set) a bassist and a saxophone player to the stage, and for the rest of the set the four of them jammed out an extraordinary array of music, stretching from jazz, to ska to reggae and soul.
The absolute highlight of the evening was when the delighted audience were asked to turn around and face away from the stage in an effort to energise the room, before being instructed to dance on Nicky’s call to turn back around, taking time to tease the patrons – when he finally made the call, the room was explosive.
Dig’s set was at stark juxtaposition to that of Nicky Bomba and Friends. Their first track was a dark progressive jazz song – which would have been completely awkward to witness if it wasn’t for the cool attitudes of the band members, particularly frontman, Rick Robertson. Oozing cool while swapping between different saxophones for the entire night. His actions were minimalist – in the suave kind of attitude, not the awkward deer-in-headlights way.
Shortly after the band began playing, they brought out vocalist. Reminiscent of British 1990s indie icon, Kelli Dayton from Sneaker Pimps, Laura Stitt divided the audience. Some, were completely enthralled by her poetic musings, lapping up all that she gave by dancing and carrying on.
However, others were less impressed when she sang. This, of course, was not because she wasn’t at all talented, as she sang masterfully; but because her voice seemed to overpower the beautiful instrumentals that this part of the audience was obviously craving.
Despite this, there were moments of utter chaos from the band. Not being a huge acid jazz connoisseur, this reviewer was completely flabbergasted with just how diverse, yet so completely captivated the audience was.
The night reminded everyone that jazz is an emotion as much as it is music – the final tune in particular. This track was an all out onslaught of jazz using every instrument on stage so powerfully creating a deep, exciting and energising sound – allowing Dig to go out on an absolute bang.
