José Neto has some serious history with Ronnie Scott’s. He referred to that history midway through his scintillating and absorbing set. “Through the years, some songs have marked our Ronnie’s journey. 30 years ago!” The numbers from the evening’s music reflected that journey that first began with the appearance of Fourth Wind, the band formed by José with Airto Moreira and Flora Purim. The set also mirrored his association of more than 30 years with Steve Winwood.
Being the second show, the band was nicely warmed up. Jose briefly commented on “Feeling the energy” at the beginning of the set. There was a strong melodic thread running through the music covering a spectrum of moods and emotions, underpinned by a distinct Latin feel. Even when the pace picked up and we heard almost straightforward rock, that melodic element was never lost. We heard wonderful delicately arpeggios picked out on guitar. A gentle version of “Redemption Song” was stripped down to its essential, showcasing its beautiful melody. At times there were subtle hints evocative of musical influences. An early number had echoes of early Santana with José’s blue-tinged guitar licks and Frank Martin’s Hammond organ sound. The final number with wordless vocals from Gary and a Lyle Mays type synth patch suggested the Pat Metheny Group in their Brazilian phase.
Neto mentioned he had played on Stevie Winwood’s last three albums and announced that they were going to play their version of “At Times We Do Forget” from Winwood’s 2008 recording “Nine Lives” that had a punchy, Latin rhythm with Neto picking out the melody. He followed with “Silvia”, a composition he co-wrote with Winwood from the “About Time” recording in 2003. Sans vocals, this was a ballad with a samba beat that gradually built to a climax.
I thought Gary Brown and Celso Alberti were perfect as the rhythm section behind Jose, stepping up to provide a muscular edge for the rockier numbers and at other times keeping it delicate and low key. Celso Alberti matched Neto’s moods, playing straight ahead rock, laying down Latin beats and even dispensing with sticks altogether to play with his hands. GB had the opportunity to show off his dazzling technique on his 6-string bass with a couple of short solos and provided wordless vocals. I was enthralled by Frank Martin’s keyboard work, endlessly inventive, the perfect companion to José’s guitar playing.
Neto formed the Netoband over 25 years ago with the same lineup that appeared at Ronnie Scott’s. They provide the complete performance with a telepathic understanding of their richly melodic music. I’d wager that their passion for music hasn’t dropped a jot over the decades.
BAND
José Neto: guitar
Frank Martin: keyboards
Gary Brown: six-string bass
Celso Alberti: drums
