The Paul Edis Trio @ The Cherry Tree. April 28.

Paul Edis (pno); Mick Shoulder (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms).

(Review by JC).

The cherry tree on the terrace was in full blossom with all the sweet pink icing flowing down. Inside the restaurant things were also blossoming, but with no danger of cakes being left out in the rain or recipes forgotten. In fact the food was terrific with a delicate cheese soufflé followed by perfectly cooked Thai flavoured halibut. The Paul Edis Trio was in great form too, playing a constantly exciting selection of Evans, Monk, Basie, classical, Jobim, Tatum, show tunes and audience requests.

Funkallero got things going, followed by Gershwin's Our Love is Here to Stay and then Stomping at the Savoy and Someone to Watch Over Me. All played beautifully with rippling piano solos and solid support and plenty of nice creative touches from the drums and bass.

Then, as often happens at the Trio's gigs, the playing moved effortlessly up a gear. Paul Edis announced that the next tune How Insensitive was actually based on a piece by Chopin so he was going to start by playing that first. Immediately some beautiful classical music filled the room and then segued into the Jobim tune with great interplay between the musicians and ended in a classical coda. Paul said he had been waiting all month to play the next tune, April in Paris. Well, he just about got the date right but not quite the location, but musically that didn't matter. The band was now really in fine form so an obvious next choice was a tune from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. They swung into Some Day My Prince Will Come in great style and ten minutes later they were still going, and the piece ended with another classical flourish. Afterwards, Paul explained they had got tired waiting for the prince so had switched to Stella by Starlight half way through.

The second half started with a number called Cherry Tree Blues and dedicated to the venue - a nice touch. Then it was into Jazz Record Requests with Paul Edis asking for suggestions from the audience. This was great fun with lovely impressionistic piano playing on Here Comes That Rainy Day. Then it was my choice, Tatum's version of Tea for Two. Paul Edis is the only piano player I've heard who has been willing to play it and since I'm unlikely to have chance to hear the great man himself play it live (even in the hereafter) this is definitely the next best thing. Paul was very respectful to the legend's memory, even apologising in advance in case there were any of Tatum's relatives present. He need not have worried; his version is sensational. Well You Needn't had some excellent soloing from Mick Shoulder. Nature Boy had more great piano playing and the final number - a hip-hop version of I Could Have Danced All Night - showcased the drumming technique of Adam Sinclair.

This is a constantly inventive trio who are also wonderfully entertaining and not to be missed if they are at a venue nearby.

JC