 Judging by the comments heard after the show from both the musicians and the fans, it is safe to say that those who attended this gig experienced something unique and magical. Very seldom have I seen a band playing with so much enthusiasm, fun, chops, emotion and dedication as this incarnation of Karizma.
It is regrettable and sad that this concert seems to have been poorly and badly promoted. Otherwise, how to explain the relatively low turnout ? How come such an amazing line-up not sell out the very cool Pumpehuset? This fortunately did not prevent the band from delivering an outstanding performance. Even more so considering that it was the first time ever that this particular line-up had played together !!! The level of musicianship was simply ridiculous !
The set list consisted of original Karizma and/or David Garfield tunes ("Desert Hideaway", "Blues For Ronnie", "Two Bunch Samba", "Corbitt Van Brauer" to name a few) as well as covers such as Santana's "Hold On" (originally sung by Alex), Toto's "Georgy Porgy" (the version appearing on Will Lee's "Oh" and here featuring both Will and Alex on vocals), Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" (the "Tribute To Jeff" version), Steely Dan's "Babylon Sister", Clapton/Blind Faith's "Layla" (the latin arrangement from David's "I Am The CatMan"), the bluesy "I Put A Spell On You" (also as appearing on Ferrone's "It Up") as well as my favourite song ever the wonderful ballad "Everything Must Change" (the version from Steve Ferrone's "It Up" on which David and Alex played - this song has been recorded by many artists of which Quincy Jones, Oleta Adams and Tom Scott).
As previously mentioned, there was something magical happening that Saturday in Copenhagen. Musicians were constantly smiling and made us feel how happy they were to play this timeless music. They had so much respect for the audience and the songs that it was almost unreal.
Alex Ligertwood was in top form and maybe never sounded better. His voice is amazing and he's - to me at least - the most emotional singer ever. There's so much depth and conviction in the way he sings that one cannot help but be moved by this wonderful gentleman. His singing on "Everything Must Change" was stellar and the most beautiful musical moment I have ever witnessed. Only hearing this song was worth flying from Cyprus to Denmark.
Søren Reiff was "the unknown" to me. All I can say is that he won (at least) a new fan. His playing is inspired by the Steve Lukather / Michael Landau / Michael Thompson school. Still, Søren is much more than a copycat and his very musical way of playing - mainly soloing - proved how much he deserved to be part of this superb line-up. Rhythmically, he was really listening to the music and, like a painter, added some very nice colours to the music. By the way, his solo album "Funky Flavas" is worth checking out and offers something pretty original.
Uncle Will Lee is not only a killer bass player with tons of groovy chops but also a very good singer and great showman. Always with the ultimate purpose in mind to serve the songs, Will amazed the audience with his contagious love of music. Every single note he played was right on. Bass playing of the highest quality is what Will Lee is all about. A true master.
His resume speaks for itself with credits including his current gig with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton (that's him drumming on the smash hit album "Unplugged"), Duran Duran, George Benson, David Sanborn, Billy Squier or the Average White Band, Steve Ferrone is one of the most important drummer of the last 30 years. Steve held the band together and led it throughout the show. Exactly knowing when to lay down the beat or when to stretch out but always supportive of his band mates and the music, Ferrone's tasteful drumming laid the foundation for everyone to fully express themselves. "The Gentle Giant" ruled big time. His solo told a story, remained within the song structure and melody, displayed musicality, taste and control. A textbook example of how interesting drums solo can be.
Last but not least, "our" man David Garfield. Ever since I heard him play with Karizma back in 2000, Garfield's playing touched something very deep in me. Before him, I wasn't that much interested in piano/keyboards (except Art Tatum, Earl Hines, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Greg Phillinganes). No other keyboards player moves me the way David does. In Copenhagen, Garfield reached new heights and delivered some of the "scariest" solos I've ever heard. He played with all his heart and soul almost as his life depended on it. David's chops are incredible but it is his musicality that makes him different. What he plays is spontaneous and fresh. His playing is filled with tons of feeling. One must also not forget about his songwriting skills.
David's music is challenging enough to get musicians' attention (both players and listeners) and at the same time still has enough "pop" quality and melody to please the "average" fans. Very few fusion/jazz musicians - Spyro Gyra and Vital Information being two other brilliant exceptions - managed to have such a good balance and that's what makes them unique.
Ladies and Gentlemen. Please do yourselves a favour if you see any of these guys playing near you, just buy your tickets and enjoy the ride! It will be worth every cent!
|
