Manu Katche, the in-demand French African jazz drummer of rock artists such as Sting and Peter Gabriel, appeared in the Tripod in October after a sell-out show at Belfast’s Waterfront.

The quintet that feature on his latest release ‘Playground’ (2007) for ECM comprise of two Norwegian musicians on horns, and two Polish musicians on piano and double bass.This night, a new line up appears promptly on stage at this comfortable, dark and user-friendly venue located beside Crawdaddy in the old Findlater building on Harcourt Street.

The music being performed tonight is also drawn from ‘Neighbourhood’ (2005) another ECM release featuring Jan Garbarek. Both albums proved a surprise commercial success for the label.

The original material is thematic and structured; ‘Playground’ is quiet, tempered and laid-back. The concert delivers all the excitement of the live performance of jazz, with trumpet and saxophone solos plenty interesting and delivering some beautiful tones, against the stable backdrop of double bass and piano.

The groove and interest is provided by Manu Katche himself with incredible ease and variety. The whole band performs with ease and accomplishment.

They are a relatively young band at the peak of their creativity. This is sophisticated stuff and gets the full approval of the Dublin audience.

‘Playground’ and ‘Neighbourhood’ available on ECM records.