Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio @ The Sage. Thursday 24 May

Dennis Rollins (trombone & electronics), Ross Stanley (organ) & Pedro Segundo (drums)

(Review by Russell)

The Sage Gateshead’s cockpit theatre Hall Two welcomed Dennis Rollins’ latest project featuring in-demand organist Ross Stanley and the much-heralded young drummer Pedro Segundo. Stanley, first to solo (Samba Galactica), met expectations with some smokin’ grooves and a Rollins’ composition – Emergence (Time-Come) – inspired by the revered organist Larry Young set the gig on the right course. 

Stanley and drummer Segundo brew up the proverbial on one tune after another. Rollins’ Caribbean roots became evident in a Bob Marley influenced number - Ujamma - not dissimilar to Jammin’.  

Throughout the evening Rollins touched base with the old school ballad, swing (fierce playing from Stanley), bop, hip-hop, M-Base (The Big Chill) and more. The temperature rose several degrees on an already sweltering evening as the trio tore into an ostensibly odd selection – Pink Floyd’s Money. Whatever the tune – this one was no exception - Ross Stanley delivered the goods and he cashed-in as a crescent moon rose high above the Sage. The eponymous track from Velocity Trio’s CD – The 11th Gate – formed, perhaps, the highlight of two rollicking sets. Gospel Hammond, big trombone and whirlwind percussion brought the house down. Top that? Alright, let’s go out with Eddie Harris’ Freedom Jazz Dance. More first rate playing, three great musicians, one great gig. Come back soon Dennis.

Russell