Nigel Price Organ Trio: Live at Pizza Express

The jazz heritage is strong in the ethos, the method and the music of the Nigel Price Organ Trio. Their sold-out album launch event at Soho’s Pizza Express Live was a case in point - three incredible musicians at the top of their game, channeling some of the finest of the giants upon whose shoulders they stand.

You may have already read my review of the Nigel Price Organ trio’s latest album - It’s On! - which is a fine piece of work from a fine ensemble under the leadership of an extraordinary guitarist.

This established trio consists of Nigel, with Hammond organ genius Ross Stanley  (who I chatted with for an episode of Harmonious World with guitarist Chris Allard when their album Tortugas was released) and the brilliant young drummer Joel Barford. Their first album - That’s It, Right There - first demonstrated that they do, indeed, have ‘it’.

The launch event itself captivated a capacity, appreciative audience in one of the finest of UK jazz clubs on Dean Street. The trio was, at once, laid back and tight.

A quarter of the way through the tour to launch It’s On! the trio may have been tired, but there was no evidence of that in their playing. There’s an episode of Harmonious World on the way, recorded in my local coffee shop while Nigel was on his way to an earlier gig. You can find the list of venues on the website, but book quickly, because tickets will continue to sell fast.

Alongside tracks from It’s On! like the funky, Booker TJones-like Chonky, the George Benson-inspired Backatcha (one of my favourites) and Splash the Cash, the set-list included the lovely Detour Ahead and Joe Zawinul’s Midnight Mood. The night was a delightful celebration of the new album, a reflection of the trio’s previous works and standards that reflect the musicians’ influences.

Talking of musicians, it’s rare to see so many other musical creatives in the audience, with young and old, jazz and classical professionals all enjoying this brilliant album launch. ‘It’ is very much ‘On!’