John Etheridge @ The Royal Albert Hall Café Consort

This was a magical gem. John Etheridge playing solo guitar to an enthusiastic audience at the Royal Albert Hall's Café Consort.

I first heard John Etheridge with Stephane Grappelli and, over the years, have since heard him in many different contexts.

At this afternoon's free concert his playing was sheer delight. Opening with Rollin's Doxy he gently explored the theme before indulging in a restrained yet challenging improvisation. It didn't disturb the diners one bit.

Next up was a catchy, townshippy, tune by Abdullah Ibrahim. John echoed my sentiments when he said 'Fancy changing a show-biz friendly name like Dollar Brand for Abdullah Ibrahim!"

My Romance was just that - a romantic interpretation of a lovely tune.

Perhaps the choice moment was the emotive take on Goodbye Pork Pie Hat. Mingus' minor key tribute to Lester Young reached down and grabbed you - a thing of beauty through pain.

And so it went on, a master class in the art of lyrical playing served up alongside the Mozzarella, cheese and tomato pannini's.

Lance.