Just caught the last night of Previte's UK tour. Fantastic programming, the first part of the evening was a full performance of the 23 Constellations of Joan Miro (on Tzadik) the second set was billed as Previte with Charlie Hunter and DJ Logic but Christian Muthspiel, who conducted the first half, sat in on trombone as well. The live performance of the Miro piece was stunning. Each piece was introduced by projected words from Miro and then the painting which faded just as the music started. (Previte has said that he did not show the picture during the playing to avoid the audience making direct links. I find this a bit patronising and would have enjoyed having the picture there as the music played just as you can with the CD.) The ensemble was more or less the same as on the disc and they played like demons. That music sounds so hard to play. Most of it is written but that doesn't stop Lew Soloff letting rip on a couple of occasions. I think Soloff deserves more contemporary appreciation. With Ralph Alessi, Zena Parkin and Wayne Horvitz in the band I was in heaven. I must go back to the recording to see how much it has changed. The total contrast of the second half was heightened by the fact that it was not a run through of the new Red Dog/Tango Leader CD. A few of the themes appeared but it was a completely improvised organic piece lasting just short of an hour. Hunter remained mainly rhythmic leaving a lot space for Previte's drums (which trigger samples and effects) and DJ Logic. But it was Muthspiel who was the revelation. I don't know anything about this guy but he sure can play. After a very quiet opening they hit a groove and when he came in it, once again, had that Miles early seventies feel, a few minutes later I could hear Can with the trombone tapping out beats with Previte and DJ Logic. Later there was room for a little Blue Note grooving. Some sections were too long with nobody ready to call a change but overall a great band. A fantastic night in Bristol. Richard Gardner NP Previte/Hunter live in Bristol