Riverside Arts Centre Sunbury reviews by real event-goers

Review of RAJ - Mornington Lockett

Another triumph for Mood Indigo Events. Hitherto I was mainly familiar with Chick Corea's work with Return to Forever and the Elektrik Band, so it was fascinating to hear the excellent Mornington Lockett trawl CC's early catalogue, particularly when as a sideman for Stan Getz. I'm now going to snap up a copy of "Captain Marvel" which, in the reissued version, contains three of the numbers performed last night. Great support as always from (my neig*bour) Terry Collie and Paul Michael on bass. And what a terrific drummer in Paul Cavaciuti, who I'd never come across before. Must catch him again.

Just one small caveat: the RAJ events seem to be starting later and later. I've no problem with an 8pm start time, but I got the impression that one or two of the punters were getting a bit restless, particularly as the gig was advertised for 7.30pm. One person actually asked me whether the band had failed to turn up ! This may deter some people in future if RAJ gigs get a reputation for delayed starts. If the band doesn't come on until c.8pm, could I suggest that gigs from now on are advertised for that time (rather than 7.30pm) ? It shouldn't affect bar takings because most punters turn up in good time and patronise the bar anyway.

Review of RAJ - Mornington Lockett

Astonishing night of music.

Many thanks to all involved.

Review of RAJ - Mornington Lockett

A fantastic evening of very talented musicians. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Review of Tribute To Kenny Garrett

I've been a fan of Roberto Manzin ever since I saw him performing at the TW12 Jazz Fest in 2017. Stunningly good alto sax player who always impresses, particularly in his control of the higher end of the scale. And what a perfect combination by doing a tribute to the great Kenny Garrett. Supported by the ever-reliable Terry Collie on piano, who does just about everything including checking the entry tickets, plus Ted Carrasco on drums and, new to me, an exceptionally good, young bassist in Stuart Barker. Great choice of tunes as well. Just a shame that the turnout was disappointingly small and, apart from one or two of us, rather too staid and restrained.

Review of Tribute To Kenny Garrett

Great night fantastic Saxophone briilant band

Review of Tribute To Kenny Garrett

A lovely evening of music. Very enjoyable. Definitely will return.

Review of Jo Harrop sings Anita O’Day

Great singer. Hope she will be returning for another session ?

Review of Jo Harrop sings Anita O’Day

Jo had a beautiful voice and sang a brilliant set. All the band were superb. A great night thanks.

Review of Jo Harrop sings Anita O’Day

Brilliant singer and great band

Review of Jo Harrop sings Anita O’Day

Review of Jo Harrop sings Anita O’Day

Review of Smokin\' At The Half Note feat. Nigel Price

Great music.

Review of Smokin\' At The Half Note feat. Nigel Price

Terry and Janet do such a fantastic job laying on these terrific gigs with top notch artists for peanuts. I've seen Nigel Price several times and am always knocked out by his playing. He should be a national treasure by now he is that good. And great support as always from Terry Collie himself plus excellent rhythm section. Riverside Arts Centre staff very welcoming and being offered the choice of room temperature or chilled Doom Bar just topped off the evening for me.

Review of Jim Mullen - Riverside Arts Jazz

First class performer, playing with a house band of musicians that deserve the rise to success. Terrence always a beautifully lyrical pianist, full of comping and melodic ideas during Improvisation. The drummer’s Latin solo was just so cool!

Review of Music of Michael Garrick

Excellent musicianship. Informative about composers’s work and songwriting. A great snapshot of his complex melody lines and therefore the high level of performance acts as an excellent workshop for jazz musicians!!

Review of Music of Michael Garrick

On what was revealed to be the second anniversary of the Riverside Jazz nights, this was one of the best of them all.

The relative unfamiliarity of the tunes meant we had to pay all the more attention and the playing was just wonderful across the whole band, together with Nette Robinson's remarkable vocals, (especially given the complexity of some of the arrangements).

The evening was lifted into something special by the clear love and affection for Garrick that infused the band, comprising as it did family and friends.

It also proved that although perhaps a little less well known than some of his contemporaries, Michael Garrick was one of the most important British jazz composers of the last fifty years.

Thank you to Terry and Janet for organising such a fantastic evening.

Review of Music of Michael Garrick

Excellent all round

Review of Music of Michael Garrick

Very enjoyable evening.

Review of Music of Michael Garrick

Great evening! Very classy music!

Review of Music of Michael Garrick

An excellent evening of jazz performed by incredible musicians. A real treat.