Alix Shepherd @ The Vermont Hotel. June 14

Alix Shepherd (piano)

(Review by Russell)

Sunday afternoons at the Vermont Hotel are the preserve of the solo pianist. This week Alix Shepherd entertained guests in the Redwood Bar with a selection of familiar tunes performed in a suitably relaxed manner in the quiet, dark wood surroundings off Castle Garth in the shadow of Castle Keep.

Late afternoon, time to kill before watching England take on the mighty Slovenians, an hour or so listening to some piano jazz seemed like a good idea. Shepherd played to the usual few, but little did he know that a budding pianist listened with no little admiration for his talents. A smattering of polite applause greeted each number – I Thought About You, Tenderly, Witchcraft – and then our admiring listener revealed she was learning to play the piano. She was ‘hopeless’ she said, having decided to take lessons ‘later in life’. Shepherd couldn’t have been more encouraging saying late starters have been known to make rapid progress. ‘One day’, said our L-plate pianist, ‘I’d love to be as good as you’.

A Train, then Satin Doll, our L-plate lady knew a good tune when she heard one. So, an afternoon’s entertainment proved to be inspirational. A good gig in more ways than one.     
Russell.