Gig review: Phronesis

Published on Thursday 24 June 2010 00:01

PHRONESIS **** CITY HALLS, GLASGOW

EARNING comparisons to the electrifying Swedish trio EST, Phronesis, Danish double-bassist Jasper Hiby's outfit, are appreciably less freewheeling but an assured and dynamic proposition nonetheless.

With an effervescent, ever-present groove, powered by Swedish drummer Anton Eger's constantly shifting rhythms, Hiby's full, relaxed tones find their complement in pianist Ivo Neame's unfettered melodies.

Throughout, and despite the ferocious possessed attack of Eger on Smoking The Camel, Hiby's own fluid performance remained clear-cut as it sought irresistibly driving patterns, the set perpetually defined by their vibrant duets.

Opening composition Five Songs Six Words began intriguingly tentatively, the drums a soft, cautious shuffle, until Neame allowed himself to flow forth in an expansive, decorative mood, with Blue Inspiration departing further into violent outburst.

A genuinely spontaneous, not-to-be-denied demand for an encore prompted the trio to reappear with Eight Hours, a coolly lyrical number that seemed more cerebral than the unrestrained expression of before.