Seb Rochford and James Kitchman bring spontaneous magic to Moment’s Notice: Episode 10, Season 4

The 2024 grand finale of the now firmly established and much-loved George Nelson-curated improv night at South London’s AMP studios (see JW September 2024), saw an intriguing mix of musicians from across the stylistic spectrum demonstrate just how effective this form of engagement can be.

It’s worth reflecting on what these evenings are designed to achieve. In bringing together a group of musicians who’ve not just never played together, but who may never have interacted with the type of instruments they’re now being faced with. It’s fascinating not just to listen to, but to watch as a facial expression here or a flurry of notes there take them on a twisting path towards conclusion.

Beginning with a duo of the endlessly versatile James Kitchman on guitar (despite George’s declared aversion to the instrument - James pictured above) and violinist Preetha Narayanaan, their beautifully contemplative, extended interplay exploring the intersection between contemporary classical and ethereal folk was a wonderfully transcendental introduction to the evening.

In contrast, the second set began with sharp percussive claps from Venezuelan singer Luzmira Zerpa before merging into hypnotic, bell-like patterns from Rosie Bergonzi’s handpans and Seb Rochford’s marching drums. Rosie’s handpans are instruments rarely seen in the world of jazz but were an impressive counterpoint to Seb and Luzmira’s drum patterns and vocalisations.

The evening concluded as always with the quintet. Combining any unrehearsed duo and trio could be a potential recipe for chaos but it held together by with an almost telepathic symbiosis, despite the occasionally errant rumble from the trains overhead, we’re underneath a railway arch after all.

There will now be a break of a few months, back in April most probably, until the next instalment, so keep an eye out, always worth the taking a punt.