Luft, Mullen, Parracelli and Price: Live at the 606 Club
Coined by some as ‘Guitarmageddon’, an ordinary Wednesday night was transformed into a joyous celebration of jazz guitar as part of a series celebrating the 50th anniversary of London’s 606 Club.
As the musicians were preparing for this wonderful night, I recorded a very special episode of Harmonious World featuring conversations with 606 club owner Steve Rubie, as well as the superb guitarists Jim Mullen, John Parricelli, Nigel Price and Rob Luft.
These outstanding musicians were joined by a brilliant rhythm section of Liam Dunachie (piano), Jeremy Brown (bass) and Mark Taylor (drums).
I interviewed Steve in October 2024, Nigel in October 2025. Rob was one of my earliest guests in July 2020 and then again live in July 2024.
Steve said: “Well, no 606 Club Festival would be complete without the guitar of Jim Mullen and I thought it would be nice to build a gig around this veteran of the scene. And I have to say, it wasn’t difficult. So this evening we have not one but four great guitarists, all from different backgrounds, closely associated with the Club and keen to play with Jim and each other. With ages spanning from 30s to 80s, this promises to be a brilliant night of guitar-led music, which a guitarist friend of mine has christened “Guitarmageddon”!
The night was well-orchestrated by Steve, with each guitarist performing a solo and a duo with each of the others. The solos were Leroy Anderson’s Serenata (Jim Mullen), Duke Pearson’s Jeanine (Nigel Price), Rob Luft’s own Gayetski in honour of the great Stan Getz and Alfredo from John Parricelli.
The duos were inspired choices, with solos from the lead players but also from the rhythm section: The Jigsaw (Rob and John), Gentle Rain (John and Nigel), The Duke (Rob and Jim), Full House (aptly, by Jim and Nigel), Ready and Able (again, aptly, by Rob and Nigel) and finally We’ll Be Together Again (Jim and John).
The two sets each ended with everyone together - Miles Davis’s Four before the break and George Benson’s On Broadway to end the night. Both performances showed how well these four musicians listened to each other - and worked collaboratively with the rhythm section. No-one wanted the night to end, but we all left with at least one great ear worm (mine was Four).
Check out the incredible line-up for the 606 Club’s 50th anniversary
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