Medeski, Martin & Wood turned out one of the grooviest performances of BBC Radio 3 programme Jazz on 3’s London Jazz Festival opening night show at Ronnie Scott’s, the organ trio setting up wave after wave of scintillating jam band routines, the roogalating organ, clavinet squelches and brittle piano to John Medeski's side ratcheting up the trio's fire power as their short set began to burn. The Ronnie’s audience also heard the Lauren Kinsella trio, rising star Irish singer Kinsella with saxophonist Julian Siegel and bassist Mick Coady. Kinsella’s nimble swoops and landings on experimental material including her tune ‘Celia’ kept her playing partners on their toes and set the tone for an evening of sharp contrasts. Sons of Kemet made most impact in a well paced set that saw Shabaka Hutchings and co practically raise the roof of the club. The four-piece will be supporting Mehliana later in the festival. Also appearing in the late night show broadcast live on Radio 3 were the sonorous trio of Norwegian bass supremo Arild Andersen with Tommy Smith and Patrice Héral, and the band of Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez brought the evening to a close.
Jazz on 3 presenter Jez Nelson with John Medeski   photo: Joby Waldman