Review by Antara Hazarika

 

Maarten a saxophonist and composer along with bassist Keith Peters and drummer Jeoraj George created quite a stir on Monday evening at Olive Beach. They began by playing “Skwurl kwarl” a calypso and went on to play some of Maarten’s compositions. Maarten played a haunting lullaby called “Nitika’s Dance” a jazz waltz that grew somber and dark during the bridge of the composition. It was especially composed for his daughter. The trio’s masterful rendition of Sonny Rollins’s “Saint Thomas” was a great live experience as they went on to improvise with frenzy and kept everyone at the edge of their seats.
 

 
 Maarten Visser - sax,  Jeoraj George - drums,  Keith Peters - bass

 
I focused my sonic lens through the aura of the harmonies that wafted around the dome space at olive beach, there were instances when Keith’s bass would come into focus while Maarten and Jeoraj were suspended not very far.

After a bit Maarten came into my sonic range and I captured a few rare gestures.The aesthetic and sound of the saxophone was magical and it looked antique. I discovered later that Maarten’s sax belonged to his grandfather and was a 1949 make. The Trio also played a Miles Davis number and performed Dave Brubeck’s “Take 5” which was a distinctive, catchy saxophone melody.

I wish the trio introduced the composition before they began playing each time, Maarten was not very coherent every time he spoke, of course the melodies spoke louder no doubt. I feel musicians should convey and communicate a little bit more and engage the audience when introducing compositions especially if they are self composed. One beauty of jazz improvisation is that, as in other art forms, it has the potential for growth and provides impetus to evolve each time. I enjoyed this Monday - not only the solo journey’s of the three Artists but also the aesthetic of the Trio. Do come for the Frank Dubier Jazz Ensemble on 16^th of June if you are in Bangalore!