Live
Quantic & his Combo Bárbaro The Roundhouse, London 04/09/09
Having stolen the show at the recent Big Chill festival it was going to prove very interesting indeed if Quantic and his sensational Combo Bárbaro could recreate the energy in the vast, cavernous Roundhouse in Chalk Farm. I'd seen Seu Jorge perform there recently and the sound had been problematic to say the least, so how would this global band of brothers and sisters cope with this upsized event?
Kicking off with the title track 'Dreaming Mind' (sadly missing it's string and harp parts btw) from the widely acclaimed and excellent new album 'Tradition In Transition' proved to be a good move. From the very start Alfredo Linares's languid, modal playing teed up the beginning of the show and right from the start, band leader Will Holland, conducted and cued (rather inventively with his fender Jazzmaster guitar!) the band for some glorious downbeat heaviness - the scene had been set and the gods were with them!
'Linda Morena' sounded particularly marvellous with it's groovy latino silkiness bolstered by Panamanian soul singer Kabir who commanded the stage with his inimitable presence, not unlike, dare I say it, Tom Jones!? If Carlos Santana ever does a cover of this (and I think he should) it would be a world wide smash, simple it's that good! You have to take your hat of to maverick wunderkind Will Holland, still in his twenties and without doubt living the dream. Having moved to Cali, Columbia, to uncover a beautiful selection of indigenous and infectious sounds - putting his twist on things and recording this gold melting pot of an album, has proved extremely fruitful and fulfilling for this clever musician/dj/producer.
Up next 'Hit The Road Jack' quite why this song is in the set I know not why, but it turns out to be an ice breaker for the ubercool camdenites who for once let down their guard and enjoy the swing of the music - a Clever ploy! Tunes roll by in multi cultural streams, bathed but not exclusively rooted in traditional Colombian music. Influences from all the Americas leaning on, respectfully, it's contributors' individual backgrounds while inventing a special brand of contemporary music - full of life and a celebration to listen to, and a live experience that's a joy to behold.
'Cumbia Cieneguera' sees Will switch from his trusty guitar over to accordian and the party begins! The crowd start an involuntary conga as the jaunty number driven by a 'Tequila' type riff magically takes hold thus is the rootsy effect of the accordian. Tropical taste, feel good fare, from a push of a button! 'Memoria de Justinho' with i'ts cool jazzy guitar chords brought the temperature up. Featuring the beautiful and enticing chanteuse Nidia Gángora Bonilla, who looked liked she stepped out of the arms of Rhett Butler from 'Gone with the Wind' - with a glorious swirling dress and hat to match. This fine singer discovered in the far west of Columbia added the much needed rum to the band's mojito. Her joi de vivre has no comparison and her 'Un Canto A Mi Tierra' went down a storm. A charming and captivating performer who still managed to look willowy whilst pregnant!
Tonight had been a life affirming and enriching experience. Quantic and band delivered an inspiring set. Special despatches must also go to drummer Malcom Catto, (perhaps Will's right hand man) for his prodigious grooves and meter. In fact the accomplished musicians of Quantic y Su Combo Bárbaro include an array of inimitable acts, ranging from Cali’s own conga player Freddy Colorado to the previously mentioned pianist Alfredo Linares and tying it all together the stalwart bass of Fernando Silva.
So peeps ¿Ha ido a algún concierto bueno últimamente? well I most certainly have and as Quantic says “The great thing at the moment is there is music coming from all over the world. There is African high-life, chicha, and Japanese jazz, to name a few. We are living in a great time. ”Too true will too True!"
Words Emrys Baird
