Review - Jay Phelps & Ian Shaw, Lichfield Jazz and Blues Festival
Young trumpet star Jay Phelps and the hugely talented singer-pianist Ian Shaw were unanimous: the Lichfield Real Ale, Jazz and Blues Festival, now in its 22nd year, is a marvellous event.
Jay Phelps and Ian Shaw
Lichfield Jazz and Blues Festival
Concert review by John Watson
Young trumpet star Jay Phelps and the hugely talented singer-pianist Ian Shaw were unanimous: the Lichfield Real Ale, Jazz and Blues Festival, now in its 22nd year, is a marvellous event.
Canadian-born Phelps had raced up to the city on Saturday from an appearance earlier at the Glastonbury Festival, and performed two superbly intense sets with his quintet, plus guest singer Michael Mwenso. With pianist Jonathan Gee, Russian saxophonist Zhenya Strigalev, bassist Karl Rasheed-Abel and drummer James Maddren, Phelps' performance was white hot.
Singer Shaw, an exceptional vocalist, sang a captivating version of "Rainy Night In Georgia" was teeming with soul, and his vocalising on the Chick Corea classic tune "Spain" was a marvel of virtuosity.
Yesterday, the powerful and inventive drummer Asaf Sirkis presented his vibrant band Inner Noise, with keyboard player Steve Lodder and guitarist Mike Outram, and Sirkis was also heard in the marvellous Opt Trio led by pianist John Law and featuring bassist Tom Farmer.
Another fine bassist, Alec Dankworth, was heard with trumpeter Steve Waterman and vibes player Anthony Kerr in a trio which gave a fresh twist to jazz classics.
