Classical and Jazz: Latest News > February 17
Published: 17 February, 2011
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
THE Torriano in Torriano Avenue is joining the ranks of Kentish Town pubs putting on jazz nights.
To begin with, eminent local musicians trumpeter Damon Brown and Leon Greening with his quartet are performing every other Friday evening.
“They’re playing in our basement, which is ideal for jazz – almost like a New York dive bar,” says Suzie Martin, landlady of the legendary pub saved from closure not so long ago by local campaigners including TV inquisitor Jon Snow.
“Damon and Leon are in charge of the fortnightly gig so I don’t know how the venture will progress. It’s possible they may invite guests to play with them or turn part of the evening into a jam session.
“We’re keen on music here, as you know, and adding a regular jazz night fits in with that policy.”
The Torriano’s foray into jazz comes just as the Constitution in St Pancras Way has cut back its popular weekly Monday jazz night at its Con Cellar Bar. Instead, it’s moving to one jazz session a month, on the first Friday of every month. The
F-IRE collective – Fellowship for Integrated Rhythmic Expression – has taken on responsibility for lining up jazz musicians for the monthly gig.
The Oxford in Kentish Town Road is keeping on with its weekly Monday night gig, Michael Chillingworth playing with the Kit Downes Quartet next Monday.
Last, but by no means least, Map Café in Grafton Road, Kentish Town, continues to offer some high-class jazz, the Anoushka Lucas Trio playing tomorrow evening (Friday).