Riverside Arts Centre Sunbury reviews by real event-goers
Reviews of Riverside Arts Centre in Sunbury
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Showing the latest reviews from all events held at Riverside Arts Centre.
Review of Nicolas Meier - Riverside Arts Jazz
Wow, what a stunner. I had heard of Nicolas Meier beforehand but without being familiar with his music. I signed up mainly on the recommendation of another MIE stalwart, Bryan Collins, who raved about Nicolas's technique, and was I glad I did. Absolutely stellar playing from the main man, but also wonderful support from TC, the ever-reliable Stuart Barker and terrific percussionist, Adam Texeira. The two sets included a smattering of standards, but was mainly characterised by some wonderfully atmospheric original compositions, heavily influenced by near-Eastern music and places (especially Turkey). Nicolas also announced that he was about to embark on a major European tour supporting guitarist Steve Vai. Based on last night's evidence, shouldn't that be the other round ?!!
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Would you recommended: Yes |
Review of Celebrating Matt Dibble
A very fitting tribute to a sadly missed musician, taken far too early. A great selection of numbers chosen by Terry Collie who collaborated with Matt on various occasions, most notably their excellent 2017 "Trio" album, which also featured ace of bass, Nick Lenner-Webster, who was also in the rhythm section last night. It was particularly poignant to hear versions of two of Matt's compositions from that recording: Celestial Waltz and For Kenny, his own tribute to the great Kenny Wheeler. Great support too from the front line of Paul Jordanus (trumpet) and Jac Jones (tenor sax) plus Steve Green (drums). Altogether a lovely evening of music, much of which had been composed by Matt and which demonstrated what a loss we've suffered.
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Would you recommended: Yes |
Review of Roberto Manzin
The return of the Maestro ! As Ms MIE (Janet) said: "Berlin's loss is our (re)gain." Welcome back Roberto, you've been sorely missed. And now in a slimmed down version and switching from alto to tenor sax. Fabulous choice of music centreing on compositions by the great Michael Brecker, Kenny Garrett and Wayne Shorter. And, briefly returning to my pimply youth, not a soppy ballad in sight ! Great support as always from Mr TC who did a very creditable impersonation of both Joey Calderazzo and McCoy Tyner, particularly on the closing "El Nino". And what more could you want than the elegant stylings of Mark Rose on double bass and, "everyone's favourite drummer" (Janet again) the wonderful Sophie Alloway. What a perfect way to kick off the next ten years of MIE.
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Would you recommended: Yes |
Review of Riverside Arts Jazz - Matt Telfer
Another super jazz night at the RAC, this time featuring excellent tenorist Matt Telfer with a selection of standards and classic tunes, including Work Song, God Bless The Child and What's New ? Great support as always from Top Cat pianist ("Mr Mood Indigo") Terry Collie, aided this time by the ever-consistent Stuart Barker on double bass and, first time at Sunbury, the very effective Gaetano di Giacomo on drums. My only minor quibble was that Matt could have identified more of the numbers for those not necessarily familiar with them, including me ! But, what the heck, the set list was completely improvised so why should I complain ?
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Would you recommended: Yes |
Review of A Night of Latin Jazz - Guillermo Hill
Super evening of South American-inspired jazz led by stylish Uruguayan guitarist Guillermo supported by the fast runs and montuno-style piano of Mr Mood Indigo, Terry Collie, plus an excellent three-piece rhythm section, including the ever-reliable Dave Jones on bass guitar. Excellent choice of mid- and uptempo material drawn from various Brazilian and Uruguayan songwriters, plus an original from Guillermo himself to finish the second set. Some good-natured disagreement over who wrote the classic Mambo Inn, plus an intervention by stalwart audience member Bryan Collins protesting at the non-mention of guitarist Steve Khan for "Steve Khan's Blues", just added to the fun. And all this in spite of Terry and Janet having to improvise over the venue layout at the last minute, which meant that the intended livestream had to be abandoned. Well done everyone !
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Would you recommended: Yes |
Review of The Three Simons - RAJ Christmas Special
This was such an energetic boost to pre christmas Spirits. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances from all of the excellent musicians and felt safe in the venue. Great atmosphere, music and fun.
Lesley Christiane
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Would you recommended: Yes |
Review of Tribute to Michael Garrick with Tony Woods and Nette Robinson
Very enjoyable event featuring Nette Robinson who collaborated with the great Michael Garrick before his passing, as well as the other musicians who worked with him on his last projects. Nette has a great voice as well as many fascinating and amusing recollections of working with him. Very special mention for MIE's own Terry Collie who had to learn and adapt (admirably) to a whole new repertoire.
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Would you recommended: Yes |
Review of Georgina Jackson
Georgina put the audience at ease right from the start with her warm personality. A wonderful evening of solid mainstream jazz from a good singer and musician. I would definitely pay to see her again. Highly recommended.
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Would you recommended: Yes |
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