In jazz as in rock'n'roll, it would be foolish to believe young musicians hold all the cards. Like McCartney or the Rolling Stones, 84-year-old Dave Brubeck can draw on many decades of experience to create a show that leaves you feeling connected to the very roots of popular music. He and his silver-haired group can also deliver the most powerful musical punches while looking like they're not even trying.

The power and drive of Brubeck's band would surprise anyone taken in by his reputation as an overly cerebral composer with a liking for peculiar time signatures. Tonight it's bluesy funk and hard bop all the way, with only two numbers (Unisphere and Take Five) straying into unusual metres.

Much of the crackling energy emanates from drummer Randy Jones, who whips up a storm of Buddy Rich proportions while looking like a man having his tea in front of the telly. Bassist Michael Moore and saxophonist Bobby Militello are extraordinary too, the latter capable of lofty rumination and funky abandon in the same breath.

Tonight they make a point of avoiding familiar tunes. Brubeck's latest recording features reworkings of old war songs, whose obscurity he cherishes. "Anyone recognise this one?" he enquires, playing the opening chords to a sentimental ditty. When several audience members shout "Yes!" he immediately launches into something even more time-obliterated.

There isn't a flicker of unrest when Brubeck chestnuts such as Blue Rondo à la Turk don't put in an appearance. Yet the arrival of Take Five, played in the free, clamorous style of Coltrane's quartet performing My Favourite Things, receives the loudest cheer. Overall, a stunning, incendiary performance.