Mats Gustafsson was a joy! He was obviously having great fun playing and seemed as entertained as anyone by Jaap's antics. He has an approach to the reeds that is unlike anyone else's. I remember when I first heard him (on CD), he reminded me of Evan Parker, but now I think that Evan was merely the closest thing that I could relate his sound to. His stuttering but very controlled technique on his horns (especially baritone sax) is very impressive and wholly his own. He puts everything he's got into a performance, including a lot of sweat and physical movement. I've friends who insist that nothing new is happening in jazz anymore - that it's all been said. That's just wrong!
Which brings me to Jaap Blonk. His stage presence is awesome. Think of Han Bennink and build up from there. The sounds that emanate from his mouth are quite indescribable, and combined with his silly faces and totally unfettered delivery of even the most ridiculous sounds...he held the audience's rapt attention. He spins, he jumps, he swoops, he stalks the other players, seemingly untouched by self-consciousness or embarrassment. The audience soon overcame its fear of laughing out loud and was won over to the last man (and woman). What's even more delightful: his sound was totally apropos to the situation. The three blended so well that it was as if they were one entity, breathing as one and making some fine music in the process.
The two sets were generous and the encore had Zerang on some kind of wooden flute (or bizzare reed) and Mats on baritone. It was a beautiul piece that featured Blonk's sound poetry coupled with some almost traditional sounding jazz inflecions. Jaap mischieviously began making faces at Mats who finally lost it. He made a couple feeble attempts to carry on but then Jaap too fell apart and finally all three collapsed in riotous laughter. It was obviously not what was planned, but was nevertheless a perfect way to end the session. The room was filled with tears of laughter and I know that everyone there will long remember this amazing event. The music, while mostly atonal, was no less melodic or moving. And it was downright hilarious, too. If you get a chance to see this band, do it!
