Jokers, Live at Bimhuis, ACT ****

Vincent Peirani photo: ACT Vincent Peirani photo: ACT
Vincent Peirani photo: ACT
Home Jokers, Live at Bimhuis, ACT ****

Saturday morning listen

Looking around for something special to listen to for the Saturday morning listen, this live album – recorded at Amsterdam jazz club Bimhuis in 2022 – leapt out most to dive into.

This live manifestation is a radically different experience compared to when Jokers surfaced in the studio a couple of years ago.

Jazz not only but also

It’s far better than we recall the studio album of the same name that came out in 2022.

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That’s a subjective reaction. But stick with the thinking. It’s mainly arrived at because we like the live, longer version of ‘River’ (no not the Joni Mitchell song of the same name) so much more.

Deeper dive

The Jokers trio led by accordionist Vincent Peirani (with guitarist Federico Casagrande whose piece ‘Twilight’ opens the album and drummer/keys player Ziv Ravitz) once again interpret indie pop artist Bishop Briggs’ ‘River’

Buckle in

It’s not only that it’s because the quality of the live sound and the audience reaction particularly at the beginning of ‘Menerbes’ which derives from the preceding version of a moody Jeff Buckley song and adds atmosphere.

The essentials from the earlier work nevertheless are intact and remain the same including the same personnel and core tunes although the overall impression is live it’s less a jazz electronica concept than in the studio and is far earthier, again something that elevates the live experience.

This new Jokers live album includes a treatment of a Jeff Buckley song ‘Dream Brother’ from the much loved Grace

Highlights include Peirani’s tender soloing on Ravitz tune ‘Menerbes’ and Casagrande’s earlier engrossing soloing on ‘Salsa Fake’ which draws spontaneous reaction from those gathered at the Bimhuis.

In the video a live ‘Dream Brother’ version – distinct but relatable to what is captured on the new album – was recorded later in 2023.

The Buckley inclusion is another compelling reason to absorb this highly rewarding album.

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