27 April 2010ZUM 'Gypsy Tango Pasión'
Walker Theatre, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn was the venue for 'Gypsy Tango Pasión' by Zum – a quirky quintet of multi-talented musicians – presented by the Shropshire Music Trust on Tuesday evening – a concert deservedly long sold-out!
With piano, violin, cello, bass and accordion ZUM weave a dazzling array of styles into their music ranging from full blooded gypsy rhythms to blue-grass visiting jazz, salsa and (almost!) traditional South American tangos and other dances on the way.
Although titled 'Gypsy Tango Pasión', perhaps a better description would be 'Expect the Unexpected'! David Gordon produced some extraordinary sounds from the piano matching the near-groans and squeaks from Malcolm Creese, bass, Adam Summerhayes, violin, and Chris Grist, cello, which were seamlessly woven into the fabric of dazzling virtuosity in pieces such as Salsova, Blue Dream (a treatment of a Finnish melody) and Footstomper for Jessie.
ZUM's relaxed style masks an astounding level of technical ability and the ease with which they can switch style within a piece is a joy to hear. As individual international soloists they come from the 'classical' side of music but are very much at home in the wilds of what can only be called 'Zummism' – an apt title for their latest release. The next Trust concert is on Friday April 30 - 'ROSTROPOVICH'S CONCERT' with Richard Jenkinson, cello in St. Mary's Church, Shrewsbury.
Richard Duncan
Last Updated : 02/05/2010