Steve Coleman, Queen Elizabeth Hall - review - Music - Arts

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Famous themes (Giant Steps, Bird Feathers) flashed past in distorted form as Coleman set one tone-centre against another. But how were those keys related? And in what time were those African tribal beats beneath them? Conspiring in this alchemy were Cuban pianist David Virelles, using a small bass-synth to give the trio depth, and Marcus Gilmore, grandson of the mighty Roy Haynes, who appears next Friday.

Gilmore was the first drummer to reproduce the burps and buzzes of hip-hop beatboxes but even he found Coleman's dastardly themes demanding total concentration. Coleman albums should carry a health and safety warning: do not play on car radios while driving.

Elsewhere, the great McCoy Tyner was in imperious form with tenorist Chris Potter, bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Joe Farnsworth at the Royal Festival Hall on Saturday. Celebrating John Coltrane's classic Impulse album with singer Johnny Hartman, Potter has never sounded more lyrical but the jury is still out on singer Jose James. His baritone did recall Hartman's but his intonation was suspect, especially when improvising. Tyner, though, accompanied him perfectly, rounding off Autumn Serenade with remarkable delicacy for a pianist of such rhythmic power.

Most dazzling piano of the opening weekend, however, came from Benet McLean at the Forge in Camden Town last night. For blistering 21st-century stride and supersonic neobop, nobody can touch him.

Runs until Sunday (londonjazzfestival.org.uk)

Steve Coleman
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
The South Bank Centre,Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX