The success of the Necks is unusual; especially for a band that plays long improvisational, engaging, at times almost ambient, at other times raucous, music that can only loosely be called jazz.
Each performance is a stand alone event. The three musicians, playing piano, bass and drums, take to the stage and settle behind their instruments. Slowly one of them begins to play. No prior discussion has taken place as to what will be played, but none the less, one begins, then another and finally the third. The order of who plays what, when, why or for how long is left to feel.
Now it would be remise to not acknowledge that that "feel" has been honed over more than 25 years, so the Necks are not risking unfamiliarity. They are, it would be safe to assume, well used to each other and they each play. Yet, somehow they continue to produce genuinely unique and affecting music. Touching avant garde, minimalism and jazz, the Necks have carved out a uniquely Necks shaped path - trance jazz if you will. One that, if you allow yourself to follow it, can lead to new and beautiful place each and every time.
If that wasn’t clear enough, we highly recommend you go see the Necks!
The Necks play the MAC in Belfast on 05 October, presented by Moving On Music. They also play Cork on 02, Dublin on 03 and L'Derry on 04. Go to movingonmusic.co.uk for tickets and more info.
