By: Roy Stevens - Mon, May 30, 2011

During recent weeks Stratford Jazz at the Chapel at No.1, Shakespeare Street has held gigs showcasing two well established luminaries of UK jazz in Jim Mullen and Geoff Eales. On Sunday evening it was the turn of youth to take centre stage when pianist Kieron Garrett visited with his quartet, giving him the opportunity to launch his new album “It’s Time”, which features twelve tracks of his original compositions.

Kieron is not only a creatively subtle composer but also a mature leader who reads the needs of his audience very well. He interspersed his own works with a generous mixture of ballad/jazz standards from Scofield, Shorter, Parker et al which thoroughly engaged the audience.

The band appeared happiest when bounding away in the funky-fusion mould very much in the style of Weather Report/Chic Corea but putting their individual stamp on the proceedings.

Supporting Kieron’s robust and creative piano was Duncan Eagles on tenor/soprano sax a musician who is steadily emerging as a most exciting player of unlimited potential. Johnny Copland on electric-bass not only sustained a solid beat but contributed some fine solo work and Pete Cumber on drums is the consummate professional – a tremendous work rate but not at all showy.

I am constantly amazed at the abundance of young jazz talent on the present scene and this quartet ranks very highly. A pleasing aspect was the lack of self-indulgence. Kieron could easily have played all twelve tracks of his excellent new album but he chose an imaginative and varied programme to delight an appreciative audience.

Sunday 5 June 2011 Stratford Jazz at the Chapel introduces another youthful quartet which is making giants waves in the jazz world. Kairos 4tet led by excellent saxophonist Adam Waldmann makes a visit as part of its Jazz Services UK Tour. Their ground-breaking album “Statement of Intent” had 4-star reviews in MOJO, Jazzwise and Time Out. The performance will commence at 8pm and for more info visit: www.stratfordjazz.org.uk

Accessibility: All documents (PDFs) & external links open in a new window