The Necks show why they’re head and shoulders above the rest

The Necks have been dubbed ‘the greatest trio on earth’ and you can judge whether they are over four nights in Sydney Opera House’s intimate Utzon Room

The Necks have been described as ‘the greatest trio on earth’. Picture: Jess Gleeson

Over the past 12 or so years I have seen the Necks half a dozen times and each time I hear them I find it impossible to disagree with a critic of the New York Times who described them as “the greatest trio on earth”.

Each concert is a clean slate, usually featuring two pieces which can last anything from 30 to 50 minutes. The first piece – there are no titles as these are essentially improvised on the spot – is more often slower, but not always.

Both performances are invariably circular, starting with a single instrument – either Lloyd Swanton’s double bass or Chris Abrahams on piano – gradually building as Tony Buck wields an array of percussion instruments behind his set of drums. After a prolonged climax it all starts stripping back to silence.

The result is mesmeric – it’s been described as “trance jazz” but the Necks and their music don’t fit easily into one pigeonhole.

There is an Eastern, meditative ambience to a lot of what they play. Buck has an armoury of chimes, bells and cymbals which he combines subtly with the more conventional pieces of kit. Swanton exploits the sound world of his contrabass, switching between fingers and the bow to produce rhythmical textures that complement Buck and draw on ideas from Abrahams and his keyboard.

The New Zealand-born pianist combines the precision and clarity of a classical approach with the groove, drive and inventiveness of a seasoned jazz player. The telepathy between the three of them has never ceased to amaze audiences since they formed in 1987.

The Necks performing in Sydney Opera House's Utzon Room. Picture: Jess Gleeson

The trio are playing over a four-night residency at Sydney Opera House’s intimate Utzon Room. The series opened on Wednesday and closes on Saturday, February 12. You will need a mask and proof of vaccination, although I wasn’t asked to present mine. All 200 seats are being sold for each two-hour concert.

You might get a ticket if you hurry – they have a big following of fans old and new. If you do you are sure to be taken on a unique and remarkable sonic adventure that will manage to relax, uplift and excite you at the same time.

Sydney Opera House are producing a film of the Necks performing in the Utzon Room, which will see worldwide release on their streaming platform in April.

DETAILS

• CONCERT The Necks

• WHERE Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House

• WHEN February 9, 2022