The cellar of Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street was filled with an expectant audience as several members of the British jazz vanguard walked modestly through the door, one by one.
The faded victoriana of Brighton’s Theatre Royal provides a suitable background for a Sarah Vaughan tribute, evoking the kind of setting she might have performed in in her heyday.
Some jazz musicians achieve a place in the limelight; some have it thrust upon them; there are many others who deserve that place but for any number of reasons prefer to work outside its garish illumination.
The excellent Hideaway in Streatham may be South London’s best-known and most prestigious jazz venue, but in next-door Balham a rootsy, informal scene has also been brewing, based at and around venues such as The Bedford and Bodean’s.
This year the Borneo Jazz Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in one of the most beautiful tropical paradises.
‘The Great Stream’ is the title of one of Pat Martino’s originals, first recorded on the album Live! back in 1972, yet even today this title is an excellent metaphor for the guitarist’s fearless and formidable playing.
The sight of Patrick Stewart, Adrian Lester and Tony Robinson, discreet but nonetheless radiating charisma amid muted gasps of recognition, brings a BAFTA-esque frisson to the air.
Election night fervour may have been evident elsewhere but this small-ish audience sought their pleasure [or consolation] in the relatively sober company of Still Waters, a Henry Lowther-led quintet of some standing.
It should be no real surprise that French avant-prog originals Magma build such a commanding presence in London’s Cadogan Hall – a venue usually associated with classical music concerts.
The swoop and skitter of dubstep over the PA, and clouds of swirling haze on the stage, seem to set the scene for some edgy underground pop act; GoGo Penguin take to the stage, amid cheers from the sell-out crowd, reassuringly dressed down in jeans and t-shirts and looking more like the music students they were before their swift ascent to Mercury-nominated status.
