Morning:
13°c
London faces a wave of bus and Tube strikes that could cause chaos for millions of passengers as unions walkout over pay and conditions
More...
An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Jack Massarik's rating
Reader rating
Description: The saxophonist launches his new 12-piece Jazz Warriors Afropeans project.
Beter with age: Courtney Pine is a father figure
“I've seen New York’s clubs,” Courtney Pine declared, “and Ronnie Scott’s is still the biggest and the best.”
While proud to be presenting his latest band there, London’s saxophone virtuoso saluted Scott’s new management for engaging him for the first time since 1986. There’s never been a satisfactory explanation for this two-decade hiatus, during which the original Jazz Warrior has mellowed into a field-marshal, eager to give his recruits front-line experience.
Now 44, he’s a father figure and it suits him. Certainly, his 11-piece Afropeans performed with an exuberance rarely heard at the club. Every soloist played with passion, from the Cuban violinist Omar Puente to the erudite pianist Alex Wilson and sturdy baritonist Tony Kofi, while the fresh voice of Ayanna Witter Johnson, steel-pan lines of Samuel Dubois and talking, squawking trumpet of Claude Deppa scored for originality.
Young clarinettist Shabaka Hutchings and trumpeter Mark Brown — were ushered into the spotlight with particular pride by Pine, who seems to be entering a new and mature phase. Gone are the screaming, circular-breathing 20-minute histrionics that left listeners frazzled. His one feature was on bass-clarinet, whose ultra-rich sound might be his true voice.
A restrained piece of virtuosity, held together by the popping beats of the instrument’s pads, it was a masterly performance.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
