Ezra Collective, Glasgow Barrowlands, 8th November 2024
Sometimes a band comes along that from the first listen you just think, “yes!” and know that they will be one you want to hear more and more from.
I’ve written before about my forays into jazz music here, here & here. Ezra Collective have been on my radar for a while now after hearing them on BBC Radio 6Music. Child1, now 15 and established as my gig buddy, plays the saxophone, including in a regional schools jazz band, so I’ve been looking for the right jazz gig to introduce her to and these guys were the perfect choice.
On the night, Child2 was dropped off for the night at her dad’s and Child1 and I headed into town. We parked near the Barras and walked into the city centre proper to fuel up on burritos before the gig.
We arrived in time to see a few songs from the support band, Children of Zeus. They were ok, not really my kind of thing. They kept trying to get the crowd hyped up, somewhat in vain, as their music was quite mellow r&b/hip-hop, the kind that would suit being played in a chilled out bar or as background music at a relaxed house party.
We had opted to perch on the edge of the slightly raised section at the near side of the hall, hoping it would afford us some kind of view of the band. Of course a giant of a man immediately came and stood in front of us. Even on the floor a step below us he was a good head taller. We shuffled over a bit and reclaimed our view.
Ezra Collective came on in a burst of trumpet and saxophone. I had imagined they would be more in number, based on their name and sound on record, which is very full and layered. In reality there were only 5 on stage - trumpet, sax, keys, bass and drums. The sound was still full and layered. Their form of afro-beat infused jazz isn’t perhaps the most intricate or complex jazz you’ll find, but they played tight and they played fast. The energy levels were high throughout and the Barras crowd were jumping around and dancing like I’ve rarely seen before. The atmosphere was positive and friendly, helped by bandleader and drummer Femi Koleoso starting out by reminding everyone to keep safe, look after each other and asking us all to say hello to a stranger next to them - much to the horror of my autistic 15 year old - I said hello to someone on her behalf.
They started playing and they kept on playing and playing. Their tunes are largely instrumental. One song flowed straight into the next without break or chat. Most of the band were able to take a rest as the others took on solos or more prominent roles in the pieces, however Femi drummed continuously, like a man on a mission.
After about an hour of Ezra Collective, so about 2 hours of standing overall, I was in a fair amount of discomfort. (Read why here) My gammy foot was killing me, my left leg kept seizing up and my left arm was tremoring like it wanted to join in with the very enthusiastic dancers. I told Child1 that we might have to head off early, I didn’t fancy taking my chances negotiating all the stairs amongst the exiting crowds.
Just then the band stopped playing and sort of waved goodbye as they all left the stage, apart from Femi Koleoso. It wasn’t clear if this was a break before an encore or just a pause in proceedings. Femi started talking to the audience. It felt rude to leave as he was giving an impassioned speech so we stayed and listened. He talked for a fair bit, probably to finally give his arms and legs a break. Unfortunately some people (men) behind us heckled him, telling him effectively to shut up and get on with the music. Whether he heard or not, he paid no attention and carried on as he talked about the band’s history with Glasgow and how we should all try to find joy no matter our circumstances.
After he finished, the band reappeared and struck up again but we decided to call it a night and head home. We did stop by the merch stall on the way out where I picked up a t-shirt and Child1 got a CD. She’s big into CDs just now apparently.
As Child1’s first live jazz gig and first gig at the Barras, it was pretty epic. Ezra Collective are a joyful, powerful live band that bring something special to the UK live music scene. If you think afro-beat infused jazz isn’t for you, give them a listen or even better go and see them, you won’t regret it.