Album Review: Nu​-​Jive: Live at the Perth International Jazz Festival from Troy Roberts

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Album:  Nu Jive: Live at the Perth International Jazz Festival
Artist:  Troy Roberts
Label:  Toy Robot Music
Website:  https://troyroberts.com/

https://troyroberts.bandcamp.com/album/nu-jive-live-at-the-perth-international-jazz-festival


Nu-Jive, led by composer and saxophonist Troy Roberts and supported by guitarist Tim Jago, keyboardist Silvano Monasterios, bassist Eric England, and drummer David Chiverton, has released their first live recording, captured at 2022's Perth International Jazz Festival.  Based in Roberts' hometown of Perth, West Australia, where he made his debut at the festival 11 years prior, the recording consists of two complete shows, performing tracks from the quintet's portfolio of studio albums.

In Nu-Jive's fashion, the ebbs and flow in the melodic patterns have a spontaneous feel, demonstrated by the prancing keys of Monasterios, cresting and receding intermittently across "Tribes and Tribulations," creating space for Robert's saxophone to soar and bellow at moments.  The natural rollout in the conversational anecdotes imprinted by the individual artists produce an inviting atmosphere for audiences, inducing an upbeat pulse in listeners along "Big Night In" and soaking audiences in calming vapors through "Sobrino."  

Roberts articulates dissonant squawks contrasting the smooth riffs and percolating toots of his sax along "Through the Eyes of Psychoville," bejeweled in the fiery licks of guitarist Jago.  The dexterity in their performance is agile and stout, creating a stream of frenzied raptures. Jago's sizzling licks streak across "Convertible Burt" while Roberts delves into a soliloquy of feverish squiggles strewn along "Fame & Four Tune."

The quintet's tireless playing is broadcast proudly and made evident, invigorating audiences with their simpatico rapport.  The compositions are treated like a living organism, changing before one's eyes and moving with a spontaneity that widens the imagination.

Musicians:
Troy Roberts – saxophone, compositions
Tim Jago – guitar
Silvano Monasterios – keyboards & piano
Eric England – electric bass
David Chiverton – drums & cymbals

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