The percussion, mainly congas, drums super-combination was topped by UK-based tenor and soprano saxophonist Patrick Clahar, bass guitar/double bassist Reggie Washington and New Orleans keyboardist/pianist Stephen Gordon. Opening for the second house of the first night of the run with ‘4 String Drive’ the band derives its considerable mojo from rhythm beamed right at you, sax isn’t so important although on ‘Butterfly’ from Thrust Clahar’s soprano made for one of the moments of the night. Gordon was a revelation on keys evoking the clavinet and ARP from the period (he sometimes crossed over to the piano) stretching out on ‘Butterfly’ and letting the melody float while former M-BASE fixture Washington was effortless in his pulsating flow. Highlights of the set? Well, Summers’ beer bottle solo on Herbie’s ‘Watermelon Man’ was one; ‘Actual Proof’ with Clark’s beat so unique people take out patents for less, another. Raw, back to the source, scintillating and rough you couldn’t help but pat your feet and lose yourself in the rhythms of Headhunters. SG
Bill Summers above left and Mike Clark