By: Roy Stevens - Mon, April 11, 2011

Pianist/composer/arranger Jim Blomfield has visited Stratford Jazz many times, previously with the Kevin Figes Quartet, the Ben Waghorn Quartet and the Andy Hague Quintet. On Sunday evening at the Chapel at No.1, Shakespeare Street he displayed his prowess as a leader when he brought 'Latin Perspective', his own six piece Latin jazz ensemble.

The line-up featured some of the leading lights of West Country jazz with Kevin Figes (alto-sax and flute), Andy Hague (trumpet), Thad Kelly (bass guitar) Lisa Cherian (congas) and Myke Vince (drums).

This high-octane outfit brings the vitality of salsa to classic jazz standards coupled with original tunes from Jim and Andy Hague. It is a band that sets out to have fun with its music and the infectious enthusiasm for their craft was quickly transmitted to a small but equally enthusiastic audience.
It is not surprising to hear works from Mendes when Latin is on the scene but Mingus also featured as did some funky grooves from Eddie Harris which seamlessly slotted into the idiom. However it was the originals from Jim and Andy that impressed most, the tunes and arrangements were complicated and clever but performed with an expertise and energy from musicians clearly at the top of their game.

The highlight of the evening for me was the band’s take on the ballad standard 'You don’t know what love is', an inventive and evocative intro from Jim followed by some excellent solo work from every member of the ensemble – not strictly in the Latin idiom more of a sensitive tear-jerker.
I know of no other band that interprets Latin better than Jim Blomfield’s 'Latin Perspective' for me they set a very high standard. It’s not often that there is dancing in the aisles at Stratford Jazz but there was on Sunday evening.

Next Sunday marks a first appearance for a young Midlands based band at the Chapel at No.1 when the JJ Wheeler Quintet takes centre stage. This new quintet which is making quite an impact on the jazz scene has already appeared at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and received airtime on BBC Radio 3. The performance commences at 8pm and for more info visit: www.stratfordjazz.org.uk

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