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Friday, May 21, 2010
Photos / Live Reviews / News Live review: Jeff Coffin Mu'Tet
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, May 21, 2010 at 3:32 PM
Jeff Coffin Mu'Tet w/ Incognito Mosquito
Double Door Inn
May 20, 2010
The Deal: Dave Matthews Band/Flecktones horn player Jeff Coffin brings some high-octane talent along with his solo project, Mu'Tet, for jaw-dropping gig at the Double Door.
The Good: The night got started with a 45-minute set from Charlotte's Incognito Mosquito. The quintet offered up their own instrumentals that were full of improv that teetered between jazz and jam band with some funk and blues stylings. Individual members gave smiles and nods as they urged each other into a pocket for some solid musicianship.
Not to take anything away from Incog — those guys are also fantastically talented — but if the opening band found its way "into the pocket," Jeff Coffin's Mu'Tet eased itself into the whole pair of pants, curled up in a blanket and made itself comfortable on the couch.
From the first notes that rang out, it was clear that Mu'Tet isn't the kind of improvisation and musicianship that could be considered noodling or some kind of self-satisfying instrumental jerk-off... these guys are in it for the music and it's clearly the music, the groove and the song that come first. Sure, they can blast the hell out of a riff, but they make it all look easy and step back when it's called for.
Coffin didn't hesitate to take center stage and shred into a willowy solo as often as he stepped back and let someone else take the reins. Bassist Felix Pastorius showed his talent on the bass, Kofi Burbridge danced around the ivories all night, Jeff Sipe knew exactly when to change tempo on the drums and Bill Fanning on trumpet.
Coffin changed up instruments often throughout the night - flute and a variety of saxophones — and effects that at times made a sax sound like an electric guitar with a wah-wah pedal.
While some songs lasted more than 10 minutes and it could get a bit tiresome and repetitive, it was the pure musicianship that kept the crowd focused and grooving all night long.
The Bad: Having been out late the night before, I couldn't last for the entire show and had to duck out after roughly an hour and a half, but still before the end. Even getting out the door, I had regrets about leaving and it was hard to tear myself away. I may not be the number-one jazz fan in the world, but you have to respect the talent that was on the stage.
The Verdict: Whether or not you're a fan of Coffin's other projects, this one stands on its own. As for the opener, be sure and check them out any time they're around town.
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