Allison Neale and Chris Biscoe’s ‘Two of a Mind’ in Teddington

The Teddington Jazz Club recently hosted a notable evening featuring alto saxophonist Allison Neale and baritone saxophonist Chris Biscoe, performing together under the moniker Two of a Mind. The event, held within the welcoming confines of the Constitutional Club in Teddington, showcased a distinctive blend of seasoned musicianship and intimate ensemble dynamics.

Teddington Jazz Club operates as a specialized segment of the broader Constitutional Club, a venue recognized for fostering an eclectic jazz scene curated by local multi-instrumentalist Mark Aston. It was within this setting that Neale and Biscoe, spanning different generations, demonstrated their collaborative synergy, echoing the spirit of iconic partnerships like that of Paul Desmond and Gerry Mulligan, albeit through their own interpretive lens.

Central to the concert was the reinterpretation of selections from their well-received album Then and Now, released on Trio Records. The evening’s repertoire included several freshly arranged pieces from this recording, evidencing the duo’s commitment to evolving their sound in live performance contexts. Copies of the album were available on site, indicating a direct connection between the recorded work and the live presentation.

The venue itself contributed to the evening’s atmosphere, offering a spacious recital room equipped with comfortable seating and clear sightlines, complemented by the convenience of a nearby bar. This setting cultivated a close-knit audience estimated at around 65 to 70 attendees, delivering an intimate listening experience.

Supporting Neale and Biscoe was a rhythm section composed of guitarist Colin Oxley, bassist Julian Bury, and drummer Matt Fishwick. Notably, the ensemble operated without a piano, a deliberate choice that shaped the group’s textural landscape. The musicians approached their parts with meticulous preparation, evident in the abundance of manuscript materials accompanying their performance.

The concert commenced with “Rest Easy,” a contrafact composed by Biscoe based on the standard “Star Eyes.” This opening track set the tone for the night, featuring an initial saxophone duet that gradually welcomed the rhythm section’s steady swing. Biscoe’s fluid command of the baritone saxophone and Neale’s articulate alto phrases created a compelling interplay marked by both clarity and restraint.

Throughout the set, Neale’s approach was characterized by deliberate pacing and nuanced tonal control, especially notable during her extended introduction to “Stardust.” Her interpretations combined intricate melodic ideas with a refined expressiveness, supported by Biscoe and Oxley’s sensitive accompaniment. The concert also saw Mark Aston contributing on tenor saxophone for select pieces, including a rendition of “Line For Lyons,” a Mulligan composition, where Neale temporarily stepped aside.

The program featured additional Biscoe contrafacts, such as “Then and Now,” which offered harmonic complexity and demanded close attention from the audience. The absence of Neale on some numbers allowed the tenor and baritone saxophones to explore different textures, as in “Sunday,” where subtle brushwork on drums and arco bass lines lent a distinctive mood.

Returning to a duo format for “The Way You Look Tonight,” Neale and Biscoe exploited the linear possibilities inherent in their two-horn setup, achieving a balance between thoughtful phrasing and fluid interaction. Neale’s arrangement of “How Deep Is The Ocean” highlighted the ensemble’s collective cohesion, demonstrating precise rhythmic control and a masterful sense of ensemble dialogue.

While the evening was marked by richly detailed musicianship and engaging reinterpretations, some observers noted that a more restrained program might have enhanced the overall impact. Nonetheless, the event underscored Mark Aston’s influential role in sustaining the jazz community at Teddington Jazz Club, which continues to offer a platform for inventive and collaborative jazz performances.

In summary, the concert at Teddington Jazz Club brought together experienced jazz artists in a setting conducive to close musical communication. Allison Neale and Chris Biscoe’s performance reaffirmed their standing within the UK jazz scene and offered audiences a thoughtful revisit of their recorded work, enriched by live spontaneity and the supportive rhythm section’s contributions. Details about future sessions at the venue remain limited but indicate a steadfast commitment to nurturing jazz in the local community, as reported by ukjazznews.com.