Roger Eno

Roger Eno has remained a somewhat peripheral figure amongst the ambient scene for the past few years now. Tonight, he fills out an Arts Centre for a semi-local debut – he’s almost definitely on home turf.

His performance is one of the more memorable of ambient shows. Most similar artists, you’d expect, would gently blend song into song, performing largely seamlessly. But Roger punctuates each song with chat, often well-placed puns. You could probably say this breaks the attention of the listener. But the music supplemented by humour only opens the audience. Roger has a personality which is essential to his music andsharing that brings a new vitality to his sound. It creates an opening where perhaps the distant sound artist wouldn’t create.

The quartet and piano sit infront of a screen which shows a wide range of projections. First opening with Cat’s Cradling and a key, it traverses countryside landscapes, sculptures and architectural images. Rather reminiscent of what a tour of East Anglia in image may look like. There’s a distinct folk theme that comes through, it’s not abstract, or necessarily particularly complex, but it adds a new dimension to the sounds.

The set doesn’t feature a lot of Eno – as he highlights himself – the string quartet take a lot of the time to play and improvise along his score. In doing so there’s presented a different type of dialogue. Eno however, when chiming in, does so with clear intent. He proves the importance of simplicity, minimalism and the two’s creative latitudes. The ability and awareness to leave moments to breathe between sounds leaves a lot unsaid. By doing that though, he’s still capable of saying and conveying a lot. There’s a meditative quality – in saying, or doing nothing, that is sometimes where most comes.

A distinct feeling of calmness sits in the room through the set. There’s a respect for the quiet, audience members opening and closing doors with care not to interrupt. Roger creates a warm, open space. Through his music and presentation, he invites you into his serene sonic space. There’s a vulnerability and personability which makes it so welcome.

The set concludes with a bright and warming duet with his daughter, Cecily Eno. Which is more than fitting. While the set only being an hour, it still feels like Roger gave you enough. It’s more gig than concert and I suppose that shows his character clearly and identifiably.