Jazz on 3: Paolo Angeli and Snarky Puppy

Within the jazz establishment, the word 'fusion' is most often approached with extreme caution, for fear of symptoms including nervous ears and cross-over indigestion. But sometimes daring to dance in the space between the fringes of mainstream music and jazz can be all the more rewarding, especially when the balance and groove is right. Our featured act this week is certainly not afraid of swimming those waters, and neither were their roaring audience of over a thousand, as Snarky Puppy took to the stage.

The Brooklyn-based ten-piece are without a doubt the US buzz-band of the moment, and this concert marks their biggest to date. Highpoints include 'Whitecap' where Bob Lanzetti and Mark Lettieri are ablaze in an impressive guitar duel over driving rhythms. The front-line work of Jay Jennings and Michael Maher on trumpets with Chris Bullock on tenor sax, is also impressively tight – their punchy staccato stabs on 'Strawman' recall the sounds of the legendary horn sections of groups such as the JB’s and Earth Wind and Fire.  

From one large ensemble sound to another – our second musical performance in this week’s programme comes from Paolo Angeli, one of jazz’s best-kept secrets. The Sardinian guitarist (of sorts) has the ability to conjure incomparably beautiful multi-layered music, all from just one instrument. Playing a one-of-a-kind guitar/cello/motorised hybrid, Paolo bows, plucks and even provides his own percussion all at the same time without any need for loops. You can hear him explaining the intricacies of his instrument before a stunning session performance that combines a heritage in traditional folk melodies, improvised jazz and his unique instrumental techniques.

Make sure to tune in on Monday from 11pm or listen online for seven days after the broadcast.

Jez

If you have comments about the show, or requests for music you’d like to hear, do get in touch at jazzon3@bbc.co.uk or on twitter at @BBCJazzon3