Joe Webb (piano); Will Sach (double bass); Sam Jesson (drums)
A record deal with Edition Records, touring worldwide and, most recently, making his debut as a radio presenter, Joe Webb is riding the crest of a wave. This evening at a sold out Ronnie Scott's, over the course of two sets we were witness to a truly memorable performance of dazzling piano playing recalling Fats Waller, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson and others.
Combining a love of jazz with football isn't an everyday occurrence at Ronnie Scott's...unless your name happens to be Joe Webb. Our pianist's twin enthusiasms for his jazz piano heroes and adoration of one of the footballing greats made for a joyous occasion. Webb visiting the Nou Camp to watch Lionel Messi in his pomp became a regular thing. As the World Cup winner sought pastures new in America, Webb composed Hamstrings and Hurricanes. Simply marvellous.
Many of Webb's original compositions peppered the set list: David and Goliath (a feature for bassist Will Sach), Munchin' in München (inspired by the delights of Munich's post-gig, late night fast food culture), CCTV, Nirvana (featuring Sam Jesson), The False 9 Rag (the football fan will get the reference) and more. A shared experience of working for McDonald's - Webb in Neath, Jesson in Nottingham - kept things real, the title of the new number something like McDo No Show (corrections invited). The sheer brilliance of it all - Webb, Sach and drummer Sam Jesson - had to be heard to be believed.
At the heart of Joe Webb's performance was his love of the pianists of the jazz piano schools of the 1920s and '30s. Throughout the evening Webb seamlessly incorporated stride piano, swing and more contemporary approaches. Highlights were many, not least Webb playing solo piano on James P (for James P. Johnson). Absolutely outstanding. By way of a fully deserved encore, the Joe Webb Trio went out on Rosetta. A return engagement to Frith Street, Soho cannot come soon enough. Russell
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