Gig Review: The Nim Sadot Quintet

Nim Sadot’s recent gig at the JazzUp! concert series hosted at Hitchin’s Club 85 was a masterclass in contemporary jazz bass playing, showcasing his technical dexterity and sophisticated musicality. From the moment he took to the stage, it was clear that Sadot was a musician of exceptional skill and talent.

Throughout the evening, Sadot demonstrated an incredible range of influences, seamlessly blending elements of funk, soul, and classic jazz into his own unique sound. His muscular basslines were fluid and intricate, effortlessly shifting between complex rhythms and melodic flourishes. There were a lot of seventies retro fusion influences, too. Think Jaco Pastorius meets Ian Carr’s Nucleus.

While Sadot’s bass playing was nothing short of breathtaking, he was ably supported by his brilliant bandmates, who added layers of texture and depth to the music. Specific shoutouts go to Nick Walters (trumpet) Alan Short (alto sax) Hamish Balfour (keys) and the ever-reliable Laurie Lowe (drums). Much of the setlist was drawn from Sadot’s self-peened albums “Felix” and the “NIM Quartet” which are highly recommended -watch out for a review on these pages shortly.

Overall, Sadot’s performance at the JazzUp! was a truly outstanding musical experience. His technical prowess and musicality were matched only by his passion and energy, and he left the audience spellbound with his virtuosic, driving,  bass playing. If you have the chance to catch him live, don’t miss out – he’s a true master of his craft.