Leo Richardson Quartet - Live stream from Ronnie Scott's - Sept. 10

Leo Richardson (tenor sax); Rick Simpson (piano); Tim Thornton (bass); Ed Richardson (drums).

Never has the expression hitting the deck running been more apt than tonight at Ronnie's.  The band powered in with such force that they must surely have cut a rut across the stage. Well, maybe not a rut but certainly a groove and this was just the opener!

It was a breathtaking start and one which didn't let up from start to finish apart from a couple of delightful ballads one of which, Elisha's Song, dedicated to Leo's niece almost brought tears to my eyes, such was the emotions conveyed.

All of the numbers, apart from a dedication to Michael Brecker (Michael), were from the band's first two albums which mean't they came to me with a degree of familiarity which most certainly didn't breed contempt!

Quite the opposite! Hearing them live gave that little bit extra insight. Leo is an absolute powerhouse on tenor. There are a lot of great tenor players on the scene these days and Richardson can lock horns and hold his head up high alongside the best of them.

On piano, Rick Simpson laid down the groundwork for a blue plaque in his home town of Guisborough with solos that matched the leader's intensity - he was burnin'. 

Tim Thornton didn't often put his head above the parapet but when he did it was to deliver a masterclass in jazz bass. 

Ed Richardson may not be Leo's brother but jazz wise he could well be. His no holds barred solo on the Brecker tribute was equalled only by Leo's fiery solo on the same tune. 

This was a night to remember and not just for the fireworks and the mouthwatering references to the exotic Espresso Martini that seemed to be the drink of the day - one of Leo's originals was actually called Martini Shuffle - Enrico's this wasn't!

Possibly the best live stream I've watched yet - from anywhere!

Lance

Set list (all originals): The Chase; Effin' & Jeffin'; Peace; Michael; Elisha's Song; Martini Shuffle; Move.