Durham Jazz Festival: Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Soho Songbook @ Durham Redhills Miners Hall October 23

© Richard Morris

Alex Garnett (tenor sax); James Pearson (piano); Sam Burgess (double bass); Chris Higginbottom (drums); Polly Gibbons (vocals) 

Like many of the concerts in the 2026 Durham Jazz Festival, the opening night - held within the glorious setting of a grade ll listed building - was a sell out

Although the show has been touring the UK for a number of years, I’d previously only seen Polly, Alex and James at an actual gig. Polly has forged a successful career on the international jazz circuit and been twice nominated as best jazz vocalist by the BBC and Jazz FM, Alex is a very impressive saxophone player and James is well on his way to becoming the iconic figure the show’s inspiration was

A couple of instrumentals for starters, including Dizzy Gillespie’s, Groovin’ High before Polly joined the band on stage - her vocal range and technique immediately apparent. This was particularly noticeable on Duke Ellington’s  I’m Just a Lucky So and So and I Let a Song go Out of my Heart. Both these songs were recorded by Sarah Vaughan who was Ronnie Scott’s favourite female vocalist. 

There was a beautiful rendition of But Not For Me - the Gershwin song recorded by many including Chet Baker. Wild is the Wind showcased Polly’s voice and phrasing with great bass work by Sam. In fact the whole ensemble was impressive - all high class musicians. There was a thunderous take on John La Barbera’s Zin-Zak. Originally written for the Buddy Rich Big Band, it featured driving drum work by Chris Higginbottom. 

Sam had an impressive bass solo on What a Difference a Day Made. Love for Sale highlighted the influence Latin jazz had on Ronnie possibly nurtured when he played at the Havana Jazz Festival. Throughout, Alex’s tenor sax playing was immaculate and I very much enjoyed his solo on Alfie’s Theme. The oncert concluded with The Masquerade is Over and a medley of Nina Simone’s songs - Polly’s vocals were stunning. 

The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience and was a great start to the three-day festival.  Richard Morris

Set list included: Groovin’ High; I’m Just a Lucky So and So; I Let a Song go Out of My Heart; But Not for me; Wild is the Wind; Zin-Zak; What a Difference a Day Made; Love for Sale; Alfie’s Theme; The Masquerade is Over. The Nina Simone medley included I Put a Spell on You and I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free.