Quantic and his Combo Bárbaro at the Roundhouse

Quantic and his Combo Bárbaro at the Roundhouse

10 September, 2009
by: SamGould

William Holland is the man behind Quantic, and all the musical projects and collaborations that come with it. A prolific DJ, musician, performer and producer, he draws on a diverse range of influences from salsa, soul, funk, hip hop and London jazz to create his awesome and original compositions. His swinging ensemble The Quantic Soul Orchestra are undoubtedly one of the best things I have seen live, so I'm holding high hopes for tonight's performance. Now with his orchestra burnt to the ground, from the ashes rises his Combo Bárbaro and I can't wait to see which way his music will turn.

Playing to a near-empty Roundhouse is tonight's support act Lizzie Parks, a lady with an amazing range in her sweet sounding classic jazz voice that is similar to Ella Fitzgerald. The title track from her album 'Raise the Roof' is the highlight of a great acoustic set which, accompanied by the minimalist funk guitar of her partner, is stunning, soulful and filled with sophistication reminiscent of Portishead. It's only unfortunate that the crowd is so sparse, and her set would be more fitting to a smaller, more intimate venue.

The other support acts, DJ Format and Cooking on 3 Burners, play to similarly sized crowds, but by the time the headline act has reached the stage, the venue has filled out to nearly full capacity.



The first thing that strikes me as I scan across the stellar line-up of musicians boasted by the Combo Bárbaro is that they're all considerably older than I was expecting. Some of them, such as the fantastic Alfredo Linares on piano, are well beyond 60, but that doesn't stop the energy on stage from spilling out to the crowd as soon as the band strikes up.

What follows is a carnival-like celebration of sound that takes over the room like a swinging musical fiesta. Sporting trumpet, saxophone, baby-bass, electric guitar, bongos, drums and piano, the international ensemble has moved away from the fields of funk and soul in which Quantic's last project roamed, and found the exciting sound of South America. At one point the legendary Panamanian soul singer Kabir shouts out 'I thought this was music for dancing, don't just stand there', as if that was needed - the exhilarating Latin vibes get the crowd jumping almost from the start.  The interaction between the individual performers as they play off one another on stage is a joy to watch.

By the time the band pick up a fast-paced Latin-infused version of 'Hit the Road Jack', there's not one person in the room who isn't having a great time. The South American takeover of classic soul continues at full pace when they jump into an upbeat version of 'Can I Change Your Mind' with a ska rhythm and jazz piano.

The tapestry of sound that the Combo Bárbaro weaves is thrilling. The entire set from start to finish is a patchwork of influences that, whilst leaning towards Columbian and Spanish music, works its way around the world to create a potion of contemporary music that is unlike anything else you're ever likely to see.

All in all, it's a great night that reaffirms Quantic's reputation as a trailblazing master.

Combo Barbaro released their album Tradition in Transition in July 2009. Check it out.
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SamGould