Filomena Campus - Vocals,
Rowland Sutherland - Flute,
John Crawford- Piano,
Dudley Phillips- double bass,
Simon Pearson-drums
..
Influences
Non-Western music, Sardinian, Portugues, Brazilian rhythms, jazz, free improvisation.
Hermeto Pascoal, Maria Joao, Maria Pia De Vito, Paolo Fresu, Moacir Santos, Ralph Towner, Joyce, Egberto Gismonti, Orphy Robinson, Thelonious Monk, Sheila Jordan, Norma Winstone...
Sounds Like
IN KIMBE - Review 17-04-2008 Filomena jazzes things UP
NOT being much of a jazz buff I didn’t expect to enjoy the jazz quintet InKimbe at the Trestle Theatre in Russet Drive, St Albans, on Saturday night as much as I did. But I was completely drawn in by their exuberance and love of what they do — mainly due to front woman Filomena Campus. Singer, composer and improviser does not cover what she does. Her voice is an expressive instrument which she rarely deigns to use in the service of words. It’s not scat singing but something more elemental , visceral. The sounds she creates are so perfectly in sync with Rowland Sutherland’s flute that it’s like an ongoing discourse between them. Sardinian-born Ms Campus danced across the stage like a happy child, dispelling the dampness outside and conjuring up visions of sunnier climes. The band play mainly nonWestern style music, much of it of their own compositions influenced by Latin, Brazilian rhythms. I guess Filomena and flautist Rowland are the guiding lights of the quintet but they are very ably aided and abetted by Simon Pearson on drums, Dudley Phillips on double bass and nimble-fingered John Crawford ..boards. I was disappointed to see there were empty seats in the tiny Trestle Theatre venue but elated that the band were not only unfazed by this but didn’t appear to notice or care. It didn’t matter to them so it didn’t matter to us. During the interval I had a quick word with Rowland who explained that they loved the intimate style of the venue and were delighted to be asked back after their recent exploration of the life and times of Thelonious Monk – a most enjoyable production called Misterioso. Engaged is a keynote word which sums the musicians up. They are so engaged with what they are doing that they draw the audience in with the power of their commitment. Again, Filomena has to be given credit for the part she plays in reaching out to her audience exuding expressiveness from every part of her body even down to her fingertips. These musicians are not merely players or superior technicians – they are artists painting pictures and creating moods through their instruments. The one false note which was struck all night came at the end when they announced their last number, completed it and left the stage just like that. You could tell the audience were shy about asking for more and the moment passed, the house lights went up and we went home feeling vaguely cheated of a chance to show our appreciation through the usual medium of an encore.
MARY BROSNAN - Herts Advertiser, Thursday, April 17, 2008
In Kimbe are a surprise and a delight. After the gig at Trestle Arts Base they said they were really delighted that people had sat and listened. How could we not? They draw you in with their commitment to music that is complex, uplifting and evocative played with skill, sensitivity and charm by five excellent musicians. It’s clearly jazz, but it also reminded me of Satie and Ravel in its twists and turns and its willingness to truly explore on the way to its final resolution. The band evokes the sounds of joy, of struggle and confusion, and of the great unfathomable beauty of sunlight glaring on the sea, or dappling through the tall spires of a pine forest. You may find your own pictures, but whatever they are, I’m sure you’ll find them when you give yourself over to this music, which, as I discovered at this intimate gig, is eventually inevitable. They’re a truly fascinating band to listen to and to be in the presence of; there’s a sort of alchemy, a magic that is happening between them as they play. I saw them in a small theatre as part of a small crowd. I know one day we’ll be watching them on an open air stage as part of a large crowd and I can hardly wait. In the meantime, go and see them, go and hear them whenever and wherever you can. I know I will.
Jonathan Salisbury,
23rd April 2008
We have spent some very enjoyable evenings with In Kimbe. A fabulous quintet, all excellent musicians led by flute and vocals, offering jazz that is versatile, fluent, rhythmically challenging and beautiful. Their music takes you through a range of emotions, from joyous and uplifting to a quieter place of stillness. The band draw your attention to nature with sounds of the elements; a soft breeze rustling the tree tops, the sound of gentle waves lapping to the shore, and then the upbeat latin influenced beat that takes you somewhere hot. At one point the audience are invited to participate in making this happen by joining in with the noises of nature – a bit of fun!
Two numbers particularly caught our attention; ‘Desolation’ and ‘Drizzle’ The haunting and melancholy flute gliding effortlessly around the melodies – deliciously moving and at times breathtaking.
Throughout, the band seem at one with each other; however the synchronicity and blending of the vocals and flute were at times astounding and it was difficult to establish them apart.
In Kimbe come highly recommended – a truly mesmerising experience.
Rachel Peckham and Ben Barson,
19th June 2008
IN KIMBE: Filomena Campus (vocals), Rowland Sutherland (flute), John Crawford (piano), Dudley Phillips (double bass), Simon Pearson (drums)
Led by Filomena Campus and Rowland Sutherland, In Kimbe is a jazz quintet consisting of an international line up of musicians based in London.
Alongside vibrant and expressive originals from the bandleaders and musical influences stretching from the Mediterranean through to Brazil, their repertoire also includes new arrangements of classics from these regions by such writers as Egberto Gismonti, Maria Joao and Hermeto Pascoal.
In Kimbes’ performance is an engaging experience for the audience who also participate in the band’s interactive free improvisation segments during their concerts.
Filomena Campus is a Sardinian jazz vocalist/improviser and theatre director, founder of acclaimed Theatralia Collective.
Credits include:
MISTERIOSO, A Journey Into The Silence Of Theloniuos Monk, written by STEFANO BENNI, adapted and directed by FILOMENA CAMPUS, featuring GUY BARKER, JEAN TOUSSAINT, ORPHY ROBINSON, ROWLAND SUTHERLAND, CLEVELAND WATKISS, PAT THOMAS, DUDLEY PHILLIPS, KENRICK ROWE, DAVID LEAHY, SDNA. Misterioso by Theatralia, RIVERSIDE STUDIOS, London
Roccella Ionica Jazz Festival with Stefano Benni, featuring Rowland Sutherland, Orphy Robinson and Pat Thomas
A-Trane, Berlin, with pianist Andreas Schmidt
• The Nubian Vibes Tour, led by Orphy Robinson, with Jean Toussaint, Cleveland Watkiss, Pat Thomas, Kenrick Rowe and Celloman
• Sunday Supplement, Millfield Theatre, Free Improvised Music, with Toni Kofi, Toni Bevan and Aref Dervesh
• London Improvisers Orchestra, featuring, Evan Parker, Lol Coxhil and Steve Beresford
• The Mozambique Waitless Tour, international project in collaboration with Massukos and Water Aid, Mozambique, featuring Mark Sanders (drums), Dean Brodrick (accordion), Simon King (guitar), Gideon Juckes (tuba), Chris Smallwood (sax)
• Theatralia’s Human Interludes improvised music and live art featuring Steve Lawson, Roger Goula Sarda and B.J.Cole
• BBC Radio 3 – Quattro+, with Orphy Robinson, Pat Thomas, Dudley Phillips and Kenrick Rowe
• Duo concerts with pianists Benet McLean and Zoe Rahamn
• X-Mas Files, working alongside Andy Sheppard, Guy Barker, Julian Joseph, Byron Wallen, Gary Crosby, Mark Mondesir, Soweto Kinch and Cleveland Watkiss
• Time in Jazz, Bortigiadas, Deragliamenti (2002), original project Nightingale featuring Massimo Ferra and Paolo Carrus
• Time in Jazz 2000, Berchidda, Sardinian Jazz Festival,The Three Crocodiles Project.-
Rowland Sutherland is a flautist who enjoys an international career in many different fields of music. He regularly performs in jazz groups, new music ensembles, various non-Western groups, symphony orchestras, pop outfits and as a soloist.
Many of Rowland’s solo contemporary flute performances have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3. He has composed and arranged music for various bands, ensembles and for the BBC.
• He has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Centre, North Sea Jazz Festival, Chatelet Les Halles and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.
• As bandleader, Rowland leads several bands including the Brazilian influenced ‘Mistura’ which has performed at festivals in the UK and Europe, and 'Creative Force' which features the superb vibest Orphy Robinson.
• Rowland was voted the number one Flutist in the Brazilian newspaper Tribuna da Imprensa (“Press Tribune”) in The 24th Annual Jazz Poll.
• Artists and bands Rowland has performed with include David Murray, Frank Wess, Ali Ryerson, Dom Um Romao, Joyce, Jean Toussaint, Francisco Mora Catlett, Orphy Robinson, Dennis Rollins, Nikki Yeoh, Mark Lockheart, Byron Wallen, Steve Lawson, B J Cole, David Jean - Baptiste, Zoe Rahman and Tunde Jegede.
• Other artists and bands Rowland has also appeared on stage with include Airto, Flora Purim, Courtney Pine, Olodum, Cleveland Watkiss, Rebirth Brass Band, The Gnawa Musicians of Morocco, Juwon and Nana Vasconcelos.
• Artists and bands Rowland has recorded with include Incognito, Gaspar Lawal, Omar, Mc Solaar, Us 3, Melanie C, Pops Mohammed, Camelle Hinds, Keziah Jones and William Orbit.
• Rowland made his BBC Prom debut as soloist during its 2006 season performing Steve Reich, for his 70th birthday celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall.
• He has played and recorded with various adventurous new music ensembles and dance companies in Britain. These include: New Music Players, Ixion, Lontano, Icebreaker, Uroboros, London Musici, Music Projects/London, Phoenix Dance and Rambert Dance Company.
• As a freelance musician Rowland is also active in the orchestral field and has played with such orchestras as: Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, London Philharmonic, B.B.C. National Orchestra Of Wales, European Community Chamber, Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet and B.B.C. Radio.
Hey Filomena - I'm really good thanks. I see you're off to Berlin, have a fantastic time and maybe we can catch up when you're back - would be lovely to see you again. Take care Vxx
hi from berlin ...... great group sound and summerish music feel .....and ...filooooo .... and the boys ..... wish i would b one of them ...... liebe gruesse ... andreas
