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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 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: Telephones, Food, Pub, Air Conditioning
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.
