Judith Owen, Harry Shearer, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton, Bill Summers, Kermit Ruffins, Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis, and Jamison Ross

I was fortunate to catch Donald Harrison at The Prime Example in New Orleans. The show was great, as is he. He does mingle with his audience when he can.
There is no "show-biz" air about him at all.
Try to catch a great show, when you can.
I am "Tracking" him in order to be able to see him again.

One of the leading Jazz trumpeters, if not the o n e.
Mr Payton quartet performance was superb, no less. Together with the Tableau bar ambience it was a memorable experience.

Following in the footsteps of some of the greatest musicians in history, Kermit Ruffins picked up the trumpet and never looked back. Looking to his idols such as Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan, Ruffins played and played until he would be able to reach the same level as his idols. For this very reason, watching his live sets are completely awe-inspiring.
I have never seen anyone place with such passion than when I witnessed a live show by Kermit Ruffins. Backed by his band of a guitarist, drummer, bassist and keyboardist, he is front and center with his trumpet, and he blows you completely out of the water. And the best part is that you know that the show that you are witnessing is the only one of its kind, as is with any live jazz performance. You leave the place feeling an intimate connection with all the people who were there, as well as with Kermit himself, because you all have shared something that can never truly be recreated. The sheer power with which he plays is mind-blowing, and makes you feel inspired to find something that you can be just as passionate about, as he is with his trumpet. It is an extension of his soul and emotions, and you are lucky enough to witness it be manifested into something physical.

Jamison Ross was a new name to me until I heard about this gig and checked him out. He's a drummer with a great voice and wide open vocal range. He fronted a four piece band with long standing friends guitarist Rick Lollar, bassist Barry Stephenson, organist Chris Pattishall. They played a mixture of songs from his self titled album ('I couldn't think of anything else to call it' he mused)

In fact he talked a lot between numbers which was interesting, and he evidenced a great respect for his musical ancestors including singing drummer Grady Tate. Influences ranged from Muddy Waters to Carmen Lundy

You got the sense that he wanted the audience to participate in the gig which they did more and more as Ross' warm personality shone along with his fine singing.

The second half of the gig showed the band's blues credentials with some fine guitar work and fast driving interplay between guitar and bass

The venue had changed from the Jazz Cafe - which is undergoing renovations - to Nells Jazz and Blues Club in Fulham around the corner from West Kensington tube. My first visit here too - and what a friendly welcome. They've already had a stack of stars since Van Morrisson kicked off the programme and there plenty more to come looking at the posters. I'll be back soon