Cafe Yukari Richmond

Review of Jazz on the Plaza - Dom Pusey

I wasn't previously aware of Dom Pusey's music, so this performance was a very pleasant surprise. Dom turned out to be a very decent player, specialising in tenor sax and what a sax it was ! A custom-made silver-plated horn which looked like nothing I had ever seen before, but had a lovely warm tone. Dom took us through a very pleasing and varied selection of standards, including Monk's I Mean You, My One and Only Love, Slow Boat To China, Almost Like Being In Love and Ray Noble's classic Cherokee. He also threw in a couple of his own originals which both stood up well plus two tracks not often heard in this kind of setting: an Ornette Coleman blues (Turn Round, or was it Turnaround ?) and Wayne Shorter's JuJu. Great support as always from Terry Collie on the Fazioli piano and the ever-reliable Nick Lenner-Webster on double bass. A very enjoyable evening.

Review of Jazz on the Plaza - Dom Pusey

Great gig in a wonderful intimate venue in Kew. Wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening.

Review of Jazz on the Plaza with Jim Mullen

Nothing much in doubt with any gig involving the legendary Mr Mullen. Nearing four score years, he has surely reached national treasure status and here was even more proof in a wonderful duo with our own Terry Collie. No rehearsals or set list needed, instead an impeccably improvised selection and performance of a string of standards, including Beautiful Love, Angel Eyes, Weaver of Dreams, the gorgeous Soul Eyes (surely the one song that Mal Waldron will forever be remembered for), Stairway To The Stars (or nowadays that should be Stairlift, quipped "Sir" Jim), the beautiful Italian classic Estate plus Someday My Prince Will Come. We were also treated to a terrific samba-based Body and Soul and our hero's unique take on the University Challenge theme tune (graciously acceding to your reviewer's request). And to top all of that he responded to the audience's demand for an encore with a solo version of, what else, I Can't Get Started ! A great end to a memorable evening.