Minihi, Stasis Loops, Velveteen ***1/2

The key to the fervour mystery in the not at all dumbed down ritual that Minihi conjure is partly a switch to a new UK label for this the percussion duo's latest album out next month. More to the point the sound is more tribal than the brilliant …

Published: 14 Jan 2023. Updated: 14 months.

The key to the fervour mystery in the not at all dumbed down ritual that Minihi conjure is partly a switch to a new UK label for this the percussion duo's latest album out next month. More to the point the sound is more tribal than the brilliant Recaptures and it is a lot easier to digest. Percussion partners Louise Anna Duggan and Zands Duggan cast the net wide and in their haul net electronica, dancey trancey, new age-y eco warrior vibrations and a whole lot more to sit together in a not at all hazy (or jazz) mix. Completely relatable even if outside your comfort zone nevertheless if all you listen to is jazz probably because Zands is jazz trained and because the essential approach is highly pluralistic. The Enya-like Shakespeare quoting 'Bala Rocky' from Stasis Loops certainly comes fully loaded with tasty vibes later after the drums go way behind the beat tantalisingly and a blistering sense of release to it as an add-on when you least expect it thunders in. Next stop euphoria.

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Minihi - Louise Anna Duggan and Zands Duggan, photo: via Riotsquad

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Diary live gig choice outside London 16/20.01.23

Alan Barnes Quartet Victory club, Cheltenham, Monday 16 January Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi Blues Kitchen, Manchester Tuesday 17 Jan Iain Ballamy Iffley church hall, Oxford Wednesday 18 Jan A rare sighting these days in a live …

Published: 14 Jan 2023. Updated: 14 months.

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Alan Barnes Quartet Victory club, Cheltenham, Monday 16 January

Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi Blues Kitchen, Manchester Tuesday 17 Jan

Iain Ballamy Iffley church hall, Oxford Wednesday 18 Jan

A rare sighting these days in a live setting and even more so in a church hall of the legendary 1980s and 90s era Balloon Man Loose Tubes icon saxophonist Iain Ballamy who appears locally in Oxford with a stellar group consisting of Spin Marvel drummer Martin France, ex-Orient House Ensemble pianist Frank Harrison and the bassist Mark Hodgson known for his work with Julian Joseph.

Liane Carroll Beacon, foyer, Bristol Thursday 19 Jan

Jo Lawry Blue Lamp, Aberdeen Thurs 19 Jan

Joy Ellis trio 1000 Trades Birmingham Friday 20 Jan

Joy Ellis' Peaceful Place did what it says on the tin you might think on the opening track of the pianist's 2022 album, a dreamy, expansive, soundworld opening up. That feeling of decompression continues on the next track as the drummer added subtle shade and Ellis continued in a quiet reflective vein. An album to chill out in front of rather than dance around the living room to and maybe with Ellis this week that's just what the Birmingham audience needs.

Alex Clarke quartet Crookes Social Club, Sheffield Fri 20 Jan

Ant Law, Alex Hitchcock, Ferg Ireland, Ernesto Simpson The Verdict, Brighton Fri 20 Jan

Origin Story Scott's, Belfast Fri 20 Jan

2020 Origin Story album Good Friday introduced an adventurous Dublin piano trio who have nothing to prove and everything to give in a spirit of admirable positivity and interconnectedness.