TIM BONIFACE AND BAND AT NEWNHAM SPEAKEASY

Speakeasy (cool tough illicit) and Newnham (calm considered and thoughtful) is a tough partnership . But Speakeasy is now a Jazz springboard smuggled into the heart of Cambridge’s cultural heartland., the old Working Men’s Club. Formed after the desert of post Covid it is now a regular venue.

And if last night’s fun raiser for the Jazz Festival is anything to go by, it is a success. Jazzers of all ages crammed the place . With a delightful combo with a début appearance of saxophonist as singer ( very lovely voice and perfect with Brazilian samba classic) and a talented line up it offered two sessions.

Saxophonist and pianist Tim Boniface and support conquered the second half. Tim is an mesmerising stage presence - be combines super-upbeat solo blasts on his stylishly worn sax with lyrical balladis . He is not afraid of the classics -The Man I Love, the Gershwin Judy Garland song, was up-tempo and seductively melodic. Little wonder this music packs them in as one of the stars of Cambridge jazz scene. H refers creative chaos to over-organsiation- the vibe is very laid-back..A leader of his own ensembles and collaborator with many renowned jazz musicians on the UK scene, Tim is in high demand as a performer, educator and composer.

Top musicians including Tiago Coimbra on electric bass Resolution 88, Hiromi, Dennis Rollins, Zero Gravity Trio and others), Chris Diamand on guitar / piano (Zero Gravity Trio, Oscar Lyons Quartet, Evans/Diamand Trio) and Derek Scurll on drums. All sublime.

And that’s just the taster for the Cambridge Jazz Festival. Look out for chances to join the full feast.