Sirkis/Bialas International Quartet

One of the most interesting gigs I’ve been to for awhile. How could it not be with four such accomplished performers? Sirkis is, not only a dynamic drummer, he is also a master of the art of performing percussion syllables vocally in the South Indian music form known as Konnakol. This he demonstrated at length with a display of dexterity – both hand wise and vocal wise.

Bialas’ voice is quite incredible with a vast range and fullness of tone. However, singing in her native Polish meant that the lyrics were meaningless to those of us who weren’t multi-lingual! But you could, I suppose, say the same about Italian opera or, come to that, scatting!

Frank Harrison was superb on keys – it’s been a good weekend for the unrelated Harrisons! James on Friday lunchtime, Tom on Friday night and now Frank. I guess that when the ancient Harrisons began begatting there was a lot of music in the air!

Kevin Glasgow wielded a six string bass guitar that, when soloing at the top end of the fretboard, sounded almost cello-like.

The well-attended room, many of whom had been at the afternoon workshop, showed their approval throughout with rapturous applause although there were a couple who found the volume outside of their comfort zone.

As I said at the beginning – interesting.