Heidi Vogel: Live at Ronnie Scott’s

There are standards, and then there are tunes like 'The Peacocks', performed with panache by vocalist Heidi Vogel Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s.

There was something so soulful about Heidi’s version of the Jimmy Rowles tune The Peacocks, using lyrics penned by the great Norma Winstone. She chose to end her set Upstairs at Ronnie’s with this tune and it was the perfect way to send us all back out into the world.

Heidi’s entire set was exceptional jazz from her accomplished quartet - Bruno Heinen (piano), Menelik Claffey (double bass) and Noah Ojumu (drums). Watching them communicate through brief glances and hand signals showed just how brilliant they all are individually and as an ensemble. Their improvised solos were musically perfect and they interwove with each other as only those who play together regularly can.

I chatted with Heidi for Harmonious World in June 2026 and she promised new music coming soon. It was great to hear her live on stage - she uses her voice as an instrument lyrically, rhythmically and percussively.

Every tune was chosen carefully and the audience loved it all, from Stolen Moments and Words Can’t Describe through to the Flora Purim Beijo Paritido (Broken Kiss). The crowd particularly enjoyed Heidi’s use of Babs Gonzales lyrics to Round Midnight.

Upstairs at Ronnie’s continues to give a stage to brilliant artists and closing with The Peacocks made Heidi Vogel "proudly grace the scene".

Check out Heidi’s music on Bandcamp - there’s a new album out on 20 August