Joe Armon-Jones is perhaps more widely known for playing keys in Ezra Collective, one of the London acts at the forefront of jazz’s recent resurgence.
But he has also forged a very respectable solo career, earning plaudits for his blend of jazz and dub.
Tonight (February 8) he’s showcasing his hypnotic grooves and astounding musicianship at Fiddlers, at a sold out show keenly attended by the city’s most discerning fans of the genre young and old.
But the 450 or so who flocked to the south Bristol industrial venue have the added bonus of a support set from the supremely talented Ash Walker, who unsurprisingly does a fantastic job in warming up for the shaggy-haired main act along with his band.
Following a brilliant vinyl intermission set from Bristol DJ Sam Bhok, it's the turn of Armon-Jones to take centre stage, who does so in understated fashion before getting to work with his band, traversing between jazz, dub, bass and hip hop.
In between songs he talks with humility, thanking those before him for turning out in such numbers - but while coming across as something of an introvert when interacting with the crowd he wears his heart on his sleeve when he’s playing.
His face, half covered by his wavy, untamed hair, contorts as he unleashes yet another spiralling solo in unison with his gifted on-stage jamming companions.
Some of the funkiest basslines have people in the crowd in a trance-like state, particularly so on the mesmerising Mollison Dub , and a finale of the sublime Almost Went Too Far ensures everyone leaves the venue on a high, despite the impending arrival of Storm Ciara.
A Joe Armon-Jones set lacks the high-tempo moments of euphoria which come during performances by the likes of his band, Ezra Collective, and contemporaries KOKOROKO, but it still presents the opportunity to see some first class jazz from one of the genre’s most important names.
