Morning:
14°c
Some fares could fall by more than a third when Oyster is extended to every national rail station in London, it has emerged
More...
New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
Jack Massarik's rating
Reader rating
Description: The swinging baritone vocalist pays homage to the classic album with lush piano and strings, plus top notch support from the sax and piano pair.
Phone: 0871663 2500
Website: www.southbankcetre.co.uk
Extra info: Air Conditioning, Food, Pub, Telephones
Singer with style: Kurt Elling
Everything Kurt Elling does has style. Back by public demand, this dapper Chicago supercrooner unveiled a suite based on the recordings of John Coltrane and singer Johnny Hartman. Recalling that one was a superstar and the other almost unknown, Elling added: “But we remember them both, because we’re jazz people.”
Elling was already speaking in rhythm, setting his prologue to an atmospheric vamp by his US trio and a London string quartet. The Solid Strings, led by violinist Sonia Slany, made tidy work of pianist Laurence Hobgood’s canny arrangements.
Playing Trane was Bennie Maupin, the rock-blasting tenorman of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters. Few would have expected sensitive jazz balladry, yet his dry, unsentimental tone and uncomplicated ideas were ideal. “Bennie’s worked with the best,” Elling said. “Guys one name will identify. Like Herbie, Horace, McCoy. And Miles.”
Hobgood was even better. His touch, timing and chordwork inspired young bassist Clark Cummings and drummer Ulysses Owen as Elling used his rich baritone on a string of standards. Lush Life, All or Nothing at All and Easy to Remember were outstanding. Bessie’s Blues showcased Kurt’s vocal gymnastics, and Why I Keep Going Back to Joe’s made a perfect encore.
Festival until Sunday(londonjazzfestival.org.uk and bbc.co.uk/radio3).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
