Francesco Turrisi and Shannon Barnett, Hawk's Well theatre, Sligo

Poca favilla, gran fiamma seconda.
– Dante Alighieri, ‘Paradiso,’ Divine Comedy, 1321

In the words of the poet translated from the Italian “From a little spark may burst a flame.”

Pianist Francesco Turrisi opened proceedings.

That Sligo jazz flame is unextinguishable. The first set led by Rhiannon Giddens pianist Francesco Turrisi began with solo numbers and then the Sicilian was joined by American vibraphonist Sasha Berliner who played interestingly in the manner of Steve Nelson it struck me a little although Berliner is more of a modernist. Not all comparisons are invidious. And later when Berliner had left the stage the Brit bassist Oli Hayhurst – known for his work with Pharoah Sanders – and dazzling Amsterdam scene South Korean drummer Sun-Mi Hong with Turrisi made a trio. Hong was an engaging, hip presence especially later in the concert when she seemed happier with the miking and got stuck in.

Trumpeter Linley Hamilton from Magy’s Farm in County Down, wearing a Thelonious Monk T shirt, acted as MC later between the sets.

Later a band was led by trombonist Shannon Barnett. No stranger to this stage – she memorably was part of a line-up that included Liane Carroll, Sara Colman and Emilia Mårtensson some years ago. And the fine Cologne based Aussie – who hearing her makes me want to listen to old Melba Liston records later – has worked with the WDR Big Band. And there was a WDR connection during the double bill in the presence of veteran double bassist John Goldsby. And in another connection with Cologne, Pablo Held replaced Turrisi at the stool and was, you could claim, flying without wings. Held has a spectacular technique and exudes a Simcock-esque flair.

Operating in the front line with Barnett was Irish saxophonist Matthew Halpin whose sound was very vintage. The fella can swing – and was good up at the top end of the tenor’s register when he was entering bat frequencies.

Highlights of the entire concert included a version of the pumping Held piece ‘The Commute’ and a rendition of a segment from Sun-Mi Hong’s “Never Wilting Petal” suite which was far better live than on the notable album whence it came Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest out back in March.

I liked most of all guest flautist the Stoke on Trent born 49 year old Gareth Lockrane‘s contributions.

Turrisi spoke about Dante earlier and included a piece that used a field recording of a singer he found in Sicily. I started thinking of what Gavin Bryars did in similar fashion on his classic from the 70s, ‘Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet’. My pick of the Turrisi pieces was the solo rendition in all iridescence of a piece called ‘Toccata Cromatica’ that he has recorded and included on a 2020 EP, Alone Together. All in all there was such a lot packed in.