Roy Hargrove

The best form I have seen Roy in. Maybe it was the tighter venue, having previously seen him at ShoredtchcTown Hall and the Union Chapel, or maybe the pianist who I’ve not seen with him before but compliments his playing perfectly. Whatever, the music was perfect, erring on the more melodic with plenty of flugelhorn. The venue though makes for an odd mix. Where I have seen him in a seated venue where people listen, the Jazz cafe is more club style with standing and a bar. Consequently you get a lot of noise around the fringes of the main audience who listen intently. That is something I’ll never get but I guess it’s a more 50’s 60’s club style. Highlights were a perfect rendition of Strasbourg St.Denis and a funky cover of Michael Jackson’s Rock with You.