DCist Preview: John Surman Quartet @ Blues Alley
Woodwind artist John Surman is not a name one hears in this country very often, even in jazz circles, despite a career that spans 45 years. This is largely because his journey is centered in Europe, where the native of Devon, England first gained recognition in the fertile London scene of the mid-1960s. There, he played with band leaders like Mike Westbrook, Alexis Korner, and Ronnie Scott, all pioneers of British jazz. The soon-to-be 65-year old went on to record with guitar great John McLaughlin, Miles Davis collaborator Gil Evans, and others. In the late '70s, Surman began a relationship with the quintessential European jazz label, ECM Records, which continues to this day. Tonight, he begins a rare area appearance at Blues Alley, in support of his latest ECM release, Brewster's Rooster.
"It's a good combination of tunes," Surman told DCist, describing the new recording's material. "There's a John Warren tune, Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge", and the rest that are mine."
For this album, Surman, who is now based in Oslo, Norway, assembled an all-star cast of players, which will reconvene this weekend at Blues Alley. Bassist Drew Gress, who began his career locally, is the only band member with whom Surman has never played, but who nonetheless has an international reputation because of his impeccable tone and interactive style. John Abercrombie, another ECM regular, is one of the finest guitarists of his generation and has a discography, as a leader and sideman, that stretches back 40 years. Last, but certainly not least, is drummer Jack DeJohnette, whose career began with saxophonist Charles Lloyd in the '60s, and went on to include a three-year stint with Miles Davis ('69 - '72) and a seminal decades-long collaboration with pianist Keith Jarrett.
"The goal really was to enjoy music making with these fantastic musicians," Surman said. "They added a great deal I wasn’t expecting. In a way, it would be silly for me to say I was surprised."
Brewster's Rooster is a moody collection that ranges from highly interactive free jazz to straight ahead swingers. Only half of the tunes that were rehearsed ended up on the recording, but the remainder of the compositions will be performed live. All of the material was designed to give each musician plenty of space for expression and interaction.
As Surman explained, "One thing I did think about was to not have a lot of complex material, because we are four guys who improvise. The live playing with this quartet will be a voyage of discovery."
Surman has only performed twice in the District, the first time being at the storied Cellar Door. Given the caliber of this band, and the fact that they don't have many American dates planned, this quartet's appearance will be a treat for area jazz fans. Likewise, Surman also has high expectations.
"The tunes will be open, and music will go in whatever direction it wants to go," Surman said. "The guys will play their asses off and I'll try to do the same."
The John Surman Quartet will play nightly 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley from Thursday through Saturday. Tickets are $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.