Laura Jurd Septet

Friday 23rd January 2015

The Verdict, Brighton

This was an evening of original music by 24 year old trumpeter Laura Jurd, graduate of NYJO and Trinity Laban. All of the music was part of her Human Spirit project, music commissioned by Serious for the 2013 London Jazz Festival and now recorded on her latest album of the same name.

Mick Foster’s bass saxophone was both punchy with impeccable timing and free flowing when required during his solos, particularly on the funky and frenetic She Knew Him.

It’s difficult to describe vocalist Lauren Kinsella, at times she explored sounds in the style of Björk or a contemporary classical vocalist such as Cathy Berberian but for the most part, the singer she sounded most like was Lauren Kinsella, a truly original voice.

Not only were the compositions varied (and at times entertaining, like the tune Pirates), but they also served as suitable vehicles for creative soloing by all the band members. Trumpeter Chris Batchelor was happy to take a backseat providing backing lines with trombonist Raph Clarkson before unleashing a pyrotechnical display of notes during his solos. Similarly, young guitarist Alex Roth let rip on a few numbers whilst also providing different timbres behind soloists.

This was an exciting band, full of energy and enthusiasm with lots of creativity and interplay between the fellow musicians (and the album is really good as well).

Laura Jurd, trumpet; Lauren Kinsella, vocals; Chris Batchelor, trumpet; Raph Clarkson, trombone; Alex Roth, guitar; Mick Foster, bass saxophone; Corrie Dick, drums.

Charlie Anderson