When jazz is fused with world music, it often runs therisk of becoming a diluted version of both styles without a convincing musical result.  This was not the case with the trio of Zakir Hussain, Chris Potter and Dave Holland.  From the first stroke on the tabla from the masterful hand of Hussain, to the melodic double bass lines of Holland to the final climactic saxophone run of Potter, this trio’s calibre of musicianship and sense of sheer sonic elation was evident.

Each member of the group brought a unique musical voice to the trio sound. Hussain is a legend of not only Hindustani classical music but a pioneer of fusing Indian music with jazz.  Holland, a Wulfrunian and the only English member of the group, rose to prominence playing with Miles Davis in the late 60s.  Potter, the youngest and American, is a permanent fixture on the New York jazz scene.

Their set was defined by rhythmic interplay, improvisational conversations and a strong sense of mutual respect for each other’s style of improvised music. The epitome of this was their second tune that followed a 12 bar blues structure – a cornerstone of jazz – but here it was twisted almost beyond recognition by Potter’s jagged tenor saxophone lines and Hussain’s complex yet lilting tala rhythm that hinted at a blues shuffle.  The rhythmic dialogue between Hussain and Holland during his bass solo was mesmerised and engrossed

This was not merely another ‘East-meets-West’ project.  The Sunday afternoon performance was a showcase of three exceptional improvising musicians creating a totally fresh sound.  In a live interview earlier in the day by Jazz FM host David Freeman, when asked what style of music they were going to play – Hussain simply exclaimed ‘Music!’

Read all of our reviews from Love Supreme 2018, here.