Cafe Yukari Richmond

Review of Dave O'Higgins - Jazz on the Plaza

Asking whether I would recommend a Dave O'Higgins gig is like asking whether I would like to receive a million pounds without any strings attached, so there's not really much to say. One of the foremost tenorists on the UK scene for many years now, with a lovely tone, great improvisational imagination and a thoroughly lovely, approachable bloke. Impeccable choice of numbers, including All Or Nothing At All, (Toots Thielemann's) Bluesette, (Henry Mancini's) Days Of Wine and Roses, Like Someone In Love, (The Duke's) In A Sentimental Mood, a couple of T. Monks (Epistrophy and Blue Monk) and slightly leftfield choices in (Billy Strayhorn's) Chelsea Bridge and (Wayne Shorter's) JuJu. Great stuff, and ably supported by T. Collie Esq on the Fazioli piano and diminutive but percussively dynamic Esther Ng on bass. Not surprisingly a number of punters snapped up Dave's latest cd !

Review of Jazz on the Plaza - Sam Walker

I must confess that I wasn't previously aware of Sam Walker's music, but what a revelation. Fantastic technique, lovely fruity tone and excellent choice of standards (plus one original as a loosener to start). As I said to him on the way out, it was like applying John Coltrane's legendary "sheets of sound" to the Great American Songbook - what a great combination. Made even better by the inclusion of some of my favourites, eg. Willow Weep For Me, A Night In Tunisia (or Tooneesia as the Yanks say), Monk's Well You Needn't and two Duke classics: In A Sentimental Mood and Take The A Train. Terry C. often quotes the latter in his solos, so it was nice that he got to play the whole tune ! Great support from him and the ever-reliable and impressive Mark Rose on bass. Why isn't Sam more widely known, or perhaps he is and I need to get out more ?!

Review of Jazz on the Plaza - Sam Walker

This is a lovely way to enjoy a genteel evening of high quality Jazz. The grand piano is sublime and played by the outstanding pianist Terence Collie with an eclectic range of equally talented
guests... I truly recommend this discreet night out