Concert Review by Tim Harper
Ripon Concerts put on a delightful afternoon's music at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday 14th December. It started with a wonderful showcase for local young musicians: Henry Saunders gave a sensitive performance of Chopin's Nocturne No. 11 in G minor, then Alex Stanfield gave a spirited rendition of the jazzy last movement of Horovitz's Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano. This set the stage for the David Gordon Trio, who gave fascinating jazz explorations of Fauré, then after the interval, J. S. Bach and Scriabin. Together with a warm bass tone from Oli Hayhurst, and tight rhythm & supportive dynamics from Tom Hooper, Gordon demonstrated a sparkling, sprightly touch on the piano, the three combining in an effortless trio. The source material was always respected yet imaginatively recoloured with irresistible shuffle, swing, flamenco and Cuban beats, together with touches of Habañera, Ravel, Oleo, Ipanema and Gordon's melodica, all warmly appreciated by an attentive audience.
THE DAVID GORDON TRIO
David Gordon – piano
Oli Hayhurst – bass
Tom Hooper - drums
The David Gordon Trio is one of the most innovative and adventurous jazz trios working today, seamlessly blending genres and eras into a sound that is as daring as it is delightful. Their music roams freely — from bebop to Argentinian zamba, from Bach-inspired passages to nursery rhymes — all while remaining rooted in the spirit of contemporary jazz. With a playful sense of humour and a profound love of melody, the David Gordon Trio is a group that constantly pushes boundaries while ensuring every performance is as much fun as it is musically captivating.
"Gordon... a richly gifted player with a sparkling style and boundless imagination." — Independent on Sunday
"One of our most brilliant pianists… festival organisers both classical and jazz should be grabbing these guys with both hands." — London Jazz News
"David Gordon has the wonderful ability to make piano notes glisten like precious drops of water." — John Etheridge, Musician