PHIL STEVENSON'S TRIO AT 'THE LAB '

Phil Stevenson by Mike Harris Cambridge Critique Photographer

Phil Stevenson’s fabulous trio made a funky Blue Note style Opening of the Cambridge Jazz Festival Press Do last night in the stylish surround of The Lab, Regent Street. With typical Jazzy generosity, the event was open to everyone not just journos and The Lab had laid on a gorgeous reception for all, scribe or not.It could have been a tough (well oiled) audience to penetrate but from the first chords of Phil’s impressive guitar, he had them fully focussed. And it might’ve been a tricky set. Framed against a plate glass window, the trio might have been playing on the pavement with an appreciative audience up close and personal – as night- time passers, by glimpsed this brilliant band in full jazz swing.

Dextrous Keys from stylish Hugh Birkenhead - Mike Harris

Phil himself is the epitome of unconscious cool – with barely a glance at his  ground -breaking guitar moves, he manages a laid-back style with a tight hold on his band. The tunes were tremendous, redolent saith one expert in the room, of the famous New Orleans Stride  a slower cousin, of the frenetic New York style with  a loping rhythm, with an underlying triple-meter feel .

Fabulous percussion by Joe Taylor

Joe Taylor’s drums were perfect. Good humoured but expert it was an innovative backing for the entire gig. And Hugh Birkenhead’s idiosyncratic keyboard was sensational, idiomatic but somehow a sixties-style echo to brand the band as both contemporary and nostalgic. I loved the ripples of good humour of sheer enjoyment that shot though the ensemble with only light direction from the Boss.

All great jazz and a fabulous prelude for the feast Roisin Russell and team have planned for the next thrilling weeks. Don’t take my word for is - Radio 3 and 4 endorse the Cambridge Jazz Festival so it must be great.

Phil Stevenson are at The Architect on 13 at 8 with legendary Vin Prakash -FREE