Uneven Eleven - 2025 - Live In Brighton

(64:47; Discus Music)

I believe that what we have here is a recording of the second-ever gig by the short-lived trio of drummer/vocalist Charles Hayward (Quiet Sun, This Heat, Massacre), Japanese guitarist Makoto Kawabata (Acid Mothers Temple, Acid Mothers Gong) and Belgian bassist Guy Segers (Univers Zero). The previous night had been their first ever gig, which was also recorded, and released in 2015 as ‘Live at Café Oto’. Tonight, 25th May 2013, saw the trio at Sticky Mike's Frog Bar in Brighton and we get three tracks, with “Knead The Bread” clocking in at 21 minutes, “Limpid Intone (Psalmodie Limpide)” more than 32, with “Mineral Knot” feeling quite tame at just 11.

This is all about collective improvisation, living on the edge, but what makes this so enthralling is that it is impossible to pick who is the most important contributor. Each of the players are key to what is going on, from the frenetic drumming to the melodic bass or the over-the-top guitar sounds, which all drag the listener deep inside. The audience were certainly having a blast given the response, and I can certainly understand why. I have been fortunate enough to have heard quite a lot of Guy’s music, and have also reviewed Makoto in the past, but Charles is new to me but given he has worked with Fred Frith, Phil Manzanera and many more I am not surprised at just how switched on he is in this environment. I have no idea how long they rehearsed prior to the gigs. But they have an innate understanding of each other, and there are no uncomfortable pauses, just three masters composing live, listening to each other and following the music where it wants to lead. 

I don’t know if there are any other recordings out there of this trio but given it has taken so long for this to appear, possibly not. If you enjoy jazz being pushed into rock and breaking down all boundaries then this could be for you. 

Kev Rowland, January 2026

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