MUSIC

Bristol sax beast James Morton’s funk-driven quartet Porkchop and his old mucker Soweto Kinch are sharing the bill at Bristol Old Vic. Tony Benjamin can’t wait.

It’s easy to guess that James Morton plays a saxophone because, even at 10am, he still has his neck-strap on. Has he been up all night? “No – but every time I take my strap off I lose it so it’s best I keep it on. I did a tour in France with Finn Peters (London-based flute/sax man) and he mocked me for it… but then he had to buy three replacement straps on that tour!”

Venue had to catch him early for this interview because, after many years on the local jazz scene, he’s moved up to London. It’s his second bid to get a foothold in that highly competitive scene and this time he feels ready for the challenge. “I’m six years older, my playing is different, I’m more experienced musically and more grown up (he’s 28). I’ve got an album out and a manager and it feels like I’m going back into the fight with some heavy weaponry. It’s time for a new chapter and I’m looking forward to it. I’m already meeting people, going to jam sessions and getting gigs. I’m playing with Herbaliser – I’ll be on the next album – and those horn players are fucking brilliant.”

The big thing, though, is Porkchop, his funk-driven quartet forged in Bristol with Phantom Limb keyboard player Dan Moore, Moscow Drug Clubber Deny Ilett on guitar and the trademark thunder of Ian ‘Kasabian’ Matthews on drums. A notable favourite at Bristol’s Coronation Tap jazz sessions, the band’s debut album ‘Don’t You Worry ’Bout That’ caught the attention of London-based manager Peter Conway while Morton’s playing on a European tour led to an approach from German record distribution company C.A.R.E. Musik. Understandably he’s pretty chuffed with the way things are going. “That album just sort of happened – the tunes came together over about three months and then we had two and a half days in the studio. This new deal means it’s going to go all over… Germany, Switzerland, Holland – most of Europe – in November.”

The album (“A big, fat, funky record” – Mojo) is a powerhouse number, with serious showing-off from all concerned and hard funk-based rhythms for a dance-friendly feel. Morton feels that it reflects his own philosophy: “I want to get heads nodding and arses shaking – that’s definitely what I’m into. A lot of British jazz is kind of distant – which is fine – but the other side is that it’s supposed to be fun, a happy, joyful experience. People can dance to instrumental sax – I’ve seen it over and over, but you need to make a live show happen, be a frontman and engage with an audience – then everybody has a good time!”

Bristol fans can remind themselves of the good time Morton can offer when Porkchop appear at the Old Vic in a double-bill with Soweto Kinch, another young sax tyro and sometime Mercury Prize nominee. Morton recalls their first encounters back when he was 15 and both young players attended ‘Tomorrows Warriors’ workshops in Birmingham. “Our paths have crossed a few times since then and I admire his playing – really love it, actually. We’re from different schools so it’s going to be an interesting gig. Neither band is a chin-stroking affair, both are streetwise in different ways: he’s got that modern hip-hop edge to things, Porkchop is more funk, blues and gospel inflected.” And, just in case we thought this might be a farewell gig of sorts, he’s quick to offer reassurance. “Oh no – I haven’t disappeared by any means – I’ll always be back to haunt the place.” So let’s not worry ’bout that, neither.

JAMES MORTON’S PORKCHOP APPEARED WITH SOWETO KINCH AT BRISTOL OLD VIC ON FRI 12 NOV. 

Copyright Tony Benjamin 2010

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