IN KIMBE

Music:

Member Since: 5/8/2007
Band Members:
Filomena Campus - Vocals, Rowland Sutherland - Flute, John Crawford- Piano, Dudley Phillips- double bass, Simon Pearson-drums


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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


Type of Label: Major