Emanative, the space jazz group who seldom venture out of the production studio, treated an intimate audience at Notting Hill's Mau Mau Bar to a some cosmic tunes on Thursday, November 4. Stardust hung in the air at the night put on by jazz re:freshed on Portobello Road, and if the crowd's lengthy and hearty applause was anything to go by, Nick Woodmansey and his ensemble should get out much more often.

Space, Emanative's debut album, was released in May to critical acclaim. But this was just the second outing for the talented collective. It's fair to say that Woodmansey, formally of the 3-D Future Primitive, is a perfectionist when it comes to his music. The album, a wonderful voyage of progressive jazz, hangs together beautifully, having been lovingly, and meticulously crafted by Woodmansey. The opening track, Petite Planète, a cult tune with a dreamy clarinet bass, sets the tone. And a journey drifting though cosmic jazz is what the album provides - psychedelic beats, which lean on soul, funk and electro in a pleasing manner. Kick back and float away.

The second album, Time, came later in the summer, and was essentially reworkings and remixes of the first album with more of an eastern touch; more percussion and fewer lyrics. It's another wonderful collection, that gently loses you in a tranquil reverie.

The worry for loyal fans was that on stage Emanative could not be as tight, as crisp, as dreamy. Those fears, however, were soon allayed, when, second up, Woodmansey, who had trooped up from West Sussex in a van full of kit, played a version of Wind, Sand and Stars - one of the killer tunes on Space. Liz Elensky, wife of Woodmansy, captured the audience with her silky, ethereal voice. And from there on in, it was plain sailing.

There was a nod to Fela Kuti, the late, great Afrobeat pioneer, with The Name of Fela Will Always Stand For Freedom, sung by the dreadlocked Jessica Lauren. Marc Rapson's track Love is All came next and Elensky shone again on the mic.

Some time later Ahu Kelesoglu took over on lyrics and sung the sexy lament Turn Your Lights On. The studio version may have made it on to Gilles Peterson's third edition of Brownswood Bubblers, but the live effort far surpassed it. The diminutive Turkish singer has a beautiful way of articulating her words, curling her tongue to provide deliciously clear vocals.

When Woodmansey downed his drum sticks for the last time, the spellbound audience unleashed a clamour of applause and whooping, knowing they were privileged to experience this rare show of Emanative's ample talents on a live stage. "It was only our second ever gig - it will only get better," beamed Woodmansey, who turns 36 on January 8 ("the same birthdate as Elvis and Bowie"). "After that reaction, the plan is to do more gigs. We are all inspired and I'm getting on the case." For the greater good of progressive music, those lucky enough to be a Mau Mau Bar certainly hope so ... and as soon as possible.

Words: Oliver Pickup

Related Links:

• Review: Sunday Afternoons At Dingwalls
• Om Unit Unveils Cosmic Bridge
• Breaks In Unlikely Places
• Breaks In Unlikely Places
• Podcast 22

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