Lock, stock and smokin' jazz trio

?It would seem that the Lock Stock is an ideal venue for jazz gigs, with its riverside terrace looking out to St Nic's church and a large main room. For that reason, I hope they continue Mike Miller's residency and perhaps, extend to other combos. Miller is a strong, improvising guitarist leader and with Roy Dalpra providing fat, bulbous notes on his five-stringed double bass, and Nick Monnas playing a stimulating rhythmic counterpoint, the joint kept swinging for a good two-and-a-half hours on Sunday afternoon. The programme was mainly hardy standards and jazz staples; all very familiar and, some would say, over familiar, but with this sort of integrated interplay with guitar, bass and drums, even these ancient warhorses sounded fresh and unhackneyed. The rhythmic counterpoint was ideal, although the main focus was, inevitably, on the guitar and Mike proved to be a consistent and constantly inventive soloist. ?September In The Rain? worked particularly well in this version and so did the two Ellington compositions. Miles Davis' All Blues? offered a welcome change of pace and style, the modal piece showing a contrast to some of the warhorses. These three know the value of integration and improvising at all times, even on the most over familiar pieces. Long may they continue at this venue.? DEREK ANSELL ? Veteran jazz critic for Jazz Journal