Promoting their new album on ECM, A Time to Remember, and on the verge of a tour in the Far East, this quartet received an ecstatic reception at this smart basement venue in King Street.
Swiss/Albanian Elina Duni is a vocalist of confident dexterity, range, power and delicacy and radiates passion for her music, an eclectic mix of Balkan folk, jazz and even West African genres. Rob Luft, produced fascinating soundscapes and a rich harmonic setting, often beautifully drenched with reverb and breaking out into exciting solos full of repeated motifs at dizzying speeds aided by judicious use of delay. Corrie Dick, a regular Luft collaborator, and Tom McCredie offered sterling support to the two stars of the show.
Among the cover highlights were Luft’s dynamic version of “Willow Weep for Me”, Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman”, and Charlie Haden’s “First Song”. It was a tribute to the quartet’s skill that none sounded out of place among the set’s Albanian beats and other European folk influences. Definitely worth catching, an evening with this unique band is an enriching, uplifting experience.
(*) from Facebook (permission sought)
Elina Duni vox / Rob Luft guitar / Tom McCredie bass / Corrie Dick drums
