The New Globe Theatre does a fine job of displaying Brisbane’s quirky, hidden gems.
On Wednesday night (6 January), a big splash of brass was on display with Valtozash and Greshka launching an assault of contemporary jazz to impressed onlookers.
Valtozash are certainly no strangers to the Brisbane jazz scene, plying their metal-driven-jazz eardrum smashers to their loyal followers and picking up some new ones along the way on this night.
ValtozashThe night begins with young, local trio Flash Delirium. A combination of crafty, obscure lyrics are complemented by fuzzy riffs and strong tempo-drops throughout the short set. Their cover of Fergie’s 'Glamorous' was a surprise addition appreciated by the growing number of punters – with more shows up their sleeve, their Muse-esque approach is worth keeping an eye on.
As the five-piece jazz ensemble of Greshka take the stage, the upper level of the New Globe starts to fill up, most with beer in hand and quiet enthusiasm pencilled on their faces. There’s an instant appreciation for the skill level of the tight group with Toby Gifford slaying his clarinet, driving a subconscious toe-tap and lifting a few for a sporadic jive.
The intensity in volume is matched by the high-pace physical antics they deliver on stage, dancing to every beat and intervening songs with quirky humour. It’s an hour of power that had everyone's ears ringing.
Closing the set with an entertaining groover, Greshka wound down and the mass of Valtozash began to form the stage to squeeze all in. Volume is not compromised, as the sound of trombones, trumpets and sax crash against the walls and test the acoustics. It’s clearly metal jazz, firing on all cylinders, Valtozash not letting genres act as a boundary to their sound.
The bass guitar is an impressive inclusion that adds a little funk to the night. Andre Bonetti backed up his Greshka appearance to lead Valtozash through the bumping and grinding, novel yet brilliant display. Ground floor became a dancefloor and the night hummed along in a full-on whiplash of sound.
Valtozash definitely have something unique to offer. And one gets the impression their next show will be nothing like the last.
