Live Review: Tonight at Noon at The Brunswick

Tonight At Noon
with Tony Kofi
The Brunswick, Hove
Monday 5th May, 2014
On the same night that saw Snarky Puppy performing in Brighton, there was a small but appreciative audience to see this enthusiastic group of jazz musicians from Finland. Led by the driving drumming work of André Sumelius, the band drew on the repertoire of Charles Mingus (whose tune gives the band their name) together with original compositions from trumpeter Jukka Eskola and organist Mikko Helevä.
Guest saxophonist Tony Kofi contributed some powerful soloing on tenor and was equally impressed with the Finnish bands level of musicianship and ensemble playing.
Baritone and alto saxophonist Mikko Innanen provided some memorable solos, displaying a deep, resonating tone on the baritone and a Dolphy-esque intervallic sense on the alto.
Overall, this was an impressive performance and one that is sure to guarantee their return to Brighton later this year.
Contented audience members were able to purchase their latest album on 12” vinyl.
For a sample of their live performances visit their YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/user/tonighatnoonHKI
Charlie Anderson