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 former Roxy Music member performs solo material.
Until last night I rated Jeff Beck’s set at Ronnie Scott’s just over a year ago as the ultimate insult to the jazz principles of this world-famous citadel. But he at least looked lean and fit, played technically brilliant guitar and even attempted a jazz ballad, Charlie Mingus’s tribute to Lester Young, Goodbye Porkpie Hat.
Phil Manzanera demonstrated not a smidgeon of jazz feel and all the middle-aged hubris of a wealthy rock star. After 10 irritating minutes of self-indulgent banter — “Charles [drummer Hayward] and I were at school together but I don’t think we’ve gigged together since my 21st birthday party” — Roxy Music’s former lead guitarist finally launched into action with all the commitment of someone jamming in his own recording studio.
The in-jokey opening number, Fortunately I Had One With Me, was low-intensity fuzz-rock, with Phil’s Firebird guitar pitching somewhere between Hank B Marvin, Brian May and a wasp in a jam jar. Cartagena, a better song with a discernible bassline, featured delay, distort and sustain effects, all mechanical.
Being a producer of note, Phil engaged a pretty strong group. Israeli bass-guitarist Yaron Stavi plays double-bass with the mercurial Gilad Atzmon, and Polish pianist Leszek Mozdzer revealed glimpses of largely wasted improvising skill. Manzanera and Hayward showed tight rhythmic understanding but of funk and real forward momentum there was none.
Guest David Gilmour is promised for tonight. After that? Perhaps, Bryan Ferry sings Billy Eckstine.
Until tomorrow (020 7439-0747).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
