If only everyone was like the Cinematic Orchestra. They make mesmerising jazz-scapes, reproduce their magic live and pack a venue like the Hanover Grand.
To launch the spectacular album 'Everyday' we're gathered in the unlikely Hanover Grand. Ross Allen plays an underwhelming set of soul beats and dubby riddims by way of a warm up.
The magic begins when the Cinematic Orchestra wander on stage. Bandleader J. Swinscoe takes charge of the sampler.
On decks & deft FX is Patrick Carpenter aka PC: the man responsible for some of the insanely hard beat mixes on Coldcut's seminal 'Journey's By DJ' CD.
Drummer Luke Flowers immediately steals your gaze with his unhinged approach to percussion. He appears caught in some high-risk game where he cannot avoid hitting the drums even though he knows they're wired to blow.
Each strike causes him to lean in then dart back, recoiling from the kit until just before the next deft beat is due, face contorted in exasperation. Just him alone is an engrossing spectacle.
Over the next 70 minutes the Orchestra cover and extend tracks from the new album, at the core of which sits Fontella Bass.
The ageing St Louis jazz singer was married to the late Lester Bowie. Together their recordings, as part of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, were a massive influence on J. and so he must have been delighted to visit and record 'All That You Give' and 'Evolution' with her.
The former was such a moving tribute by Fontella to her late husband she broke down upon hearing the final recording. So imagine the atmosphere when she strides on to the Hanover Grand stage all the way from St Louis.
She's given a hero's welcome and responds with generous, peaceful smiles.
The Orchestra perform a powerful version of 'All That You Give', with
Fontella backed up by the younger but very talented Niara Scarlett.
The two also launch into 'Evolution' with its chorus of ecstatic
cries that might well be "REVOLUTION!".
The track also breaks down into a second almost ambient version. Only then do you know why they call them Cinematic.
These musical backwaters, moments of intimate bliss, prove just as wonderful as the periods of high intensity.
The night draws to a close with the album highlight 'Man With The Movie Camera' complete with its intense post-Coltrane riff and Steve Reich loops.
Sadly there's no appearance from album-guest Roots Manuva.
All this is made up for in the encore, however, when they launch into a cover of 'Theme De Yo Yo'. The catchy Art Ensemble number - the entry point for many an Art Ensemble newcomer including J. - leaves the crowd with smiles on their faces.
Cinematic Orchestra: come behold the bigger picture.
