By: Joe Lang
Buffalo Collision - Photo from allaboutjazz.com
To make an analogy, seeing a Buffalo Collision show was like watching Kurosawa’s Roshomon. It started out with a theme in which everyone in the band was involved. As the improvisation unfolded, each member of the ensemble, and every permutation of the group moved in and out, weaving a sonic story, where everyone has their own version. The band started out grooving on a cacophonous explosion and the dynamics began to drop. Roberts and King moved in and out, Tim Berne stepped in and told his version of the story, as Iverson threw in some left hand work and peppered phrases.
King popped back in now and then to add texture with a tiny cymbal or maybe the palm of his hand gently hitting his snare. Roberts laid down chaotic distorted and dissonant textures bringing the song into a frenzy. After an hour of improvising, Berne stepped up to the microphone to a round of applause and asked, “Should we just do the encore now?” The audience applauded, which signaled yes, and the group jumped into another chaotic journey not advised for those with high blood pressure, or in the late stage of pregnancy.
After finishing, the group took another bow and hit the dressing room, only to return for an official encore. This time out, the group played a slow balladic piece in stark contrast to their previous excursions. Berne’s jagged and screechy tone was replaced by a breathy whisper. Iverson’s playing became a soothing harmony joined by Roberts’ calm lines and King’s relaxed texture rhythms. The band wrapped it up and reminded the audience they were there another night.
Location Info:
Dakota Jazz Club
Artist Info: Buffalo Collision
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