Live Review: Julian Nicholas Quintet at All Saints Church
Julian Nicholas Quintet
Thursday 26th October, 2017
All Saint Church, Hove
For this final concert in the 2017 All Saints lunchtime recital series, multi-reedsman Julian Nicholas was joined by vocalist Imogen Ryall, pianist Mark Edwards, bassist Nigel Thomas and drummer Dave Trigwell. Not surprisingly, the group attracted the largest audience of the year.
Performing a mixture of jazz standards (such as You Don’t Know What Love Is and It Could Happen To You) along with some of Julian’s original compositions.
The Nicholas original One January Morning served as an excellent vehicle for solos by vocalist Imogen Ryall and bassist Nigel Thomas, together with some fine soprano playing by Julian.
The Bobby Wellins tune C.U.C.B. was Wellins’ dedication to Clifford Brown which Julian in turn dedicated to the late Scottish saxophonist. It featured extra lyrics added by Imogen Ryall and a sublime piano solo from Mark Edwards.
Ending with an encore of Charlie Parker’s My Little Suede Shoes, with extra lyrics written by Imogen, and drum breaks from Dave Trigwell, this was the perfect way to end what has been a fantastic series of recitals at All Saints church.
Charlie Anderson