Jez Wing at Leaf. Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Jez Wing may have been out of the live music scene in Liverpool for a while now but that should never stop talent, in any shape or form making an impact on a crowd. When you have the aptitude of Jez Wing it is a shame to let it go to waste and thankfully for the music lovers in the city, he chose the perfect time to bring his superb music back to Leaf and a welcoming crowd.

With news that Jez is currently making great headway with the production and recording of his album, due out hopefully quite early next year, the audience at Leaf were treated to a selection of songs and insanely good piano pieces that whet the appetite of those assembled. From the frivolity and good humour of the upbeat instrumental Kitty Armstrong that opened the set in fine form, Jez continued to give an excellent account and for many in the audience they would have questioned whether he had been away; such was the very adept and cool performance.

With George Hitchmough performing on drums for Mr.Wing, surprisingly the first time the two gentlemen had played together, the evening went extremely well and it was a real shame that the audience didn’t get to see more of this very fine keyboard player.

Other songs played by Jez were The Lookout, The Mississippi Beat, the illuminating and somewhat divine The Doorway to Your Heart and No Other Love.  Each song was greeted with much enthusiasm which certainly should show the young singer/songwriter how much he has been missed by the Liverpool crowd and also what his music is capable of achieving.

An excellent return to the forefront of local music, Jez Wing has been sorely missed and it’s nights like this that prove over and over again that good musicians never really ever go away they just become more skilful and come back eventually even better than before.

Ian D. Hall