Gigs I've seen so far this year.

(Frank McCombe chats to the audience)

So far this year I have been lucky enough to see Kurt Elling, Frank McCombe, Sade all of these have delivered cracking shows--Sade had the most incredible Multimedia stage shows with her band giving a tight accomplished set,It was great to see my mate Leroy Osboune ex Savanna lead vocalist who relocated to L.A 18 years ago reminding UK audiences of what they have been missing,he really is not only a great vocalist but a fantastic musician, he played Guitar,Percussion and Flute as well as treating the audience to some surprise dance moves! Some of my other homeboys added to the mix with the Sade band were Pete Lewinson on Drums and on percussion adding admirably to the mix was Karl Van Den Bosch with Steve Momrelle joining Leroy on Backing vocals. Sade looking very cool as always, just gets better and better, they are now on the US leg of their world tour with John Legend opening for them throughout. Should be one exciting tour.

I was lucky to catch Frank McCombe at the Jazz cafe earlier this year as well, he also had a tight band with Lennox Cameron in there on keys duties and Vocals as well plus Mr Cool himself Xantone Blacq guesting on extra Keys and Vocals. (Xantone by the way turns up on the new Nigel Kennedy album "Four Elements" due for release later this year. as well as Xantone's own new Album due for release quite soon,watch out for them) Percussion duties were taken up by that man Karl Van Den Bosch again. Frank McCombe delivered some brilliant piano playing on his cherry picked material for this show and of course the amazing quality of his Voice filled the Jazz Cafe and left everyone wishing they could see him more often over here in London. The Kurt Elling Gig at the Barbican was also a great show, this was the first time I have been able to see Kurt live and he didn't disappoint,tight arrangements and a lovely band,more please!!