“The Keeper of the Flame” Burns Bright
New Orleans jazz legend thrills with lazy, authentic southern blues
Review by Rupert Watkins
The crowds packed into Pizza Express’s Soho jazz venue to listen to a master at work on his opening night. Leroy Jones has been pivotal in keeping traditional New Orleans jazz alive. From having picked up a trumpet at ten, leading a marching band in his native city at 13 and playing all round the world, Leroy has been as one of the greatest that jazz-drenched city has produced.
A relaxed and hugely charismatic stage presence, Leroy’s virtuosity on the trumpet is remarkable. Paired with a wonderfully soft, lazy and drawly voice he transports you to the land of dixie. The supporting members of his quintet were equally good – some of the finest double bass playing I’ve seen and Katya Toivola on trombone was outstanding. All members of the group had their share of the spotlight – though resolutely trad dixie when playing together some of the syncopation and improvisation is slightly more modern in their solo passages.
During their run in Dean Street, Leroy will be playing with Ian Shaw, one of this country’s great jazz pianist/ singers on the 27th October before Leroy departs for his other UK venues. Saturday 24th October is sold out but there are spaces available for the remainder of the London run. For a wonderful night, drenched in the soul of New Orleans jazz, go see the Leroy Jones Quintet. I’m still tapping my feet to the rhythm typing this…. 
Further Information: www.leroyjonesuktour.com/