Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

It has to be said that if there is a finer venue in which to stage an intimate evening of quality and interesting Jazz, Blues and Pop than the Small Concert Room of St George’s Hall, then many will never have to worry about seeing it, with Jacqui Dankworth, the daughter of the illustrious music visionary couple Dame Clio Laine and Sir John Dankworth, Charlie Cook and a superb trio of musicians on stage, then things – to papraphrase D-Ream – can’t get any better.

From first to last, Ms. Dankworth oozes class, finding a range and depth to her performance which at times is as amazing as it is beautifully timeless. Two to Tango, A Foggy Day in London Town and glorious It Don’t Mean a Thing (If Ain’t Got That Swing), were delivered superbly enough to satisfy any audience, however in an evening of high quality music these weren’t even the highlights.

Ben Castle on Saxophone blended staggeringly well with Charlie Cook’s melodious Piano playing and velvety vocals, which was all furthered textured by the subtle contributions of Dudley Phillips on Double Bass and Pedro Segundo on Drums so that is created amounts to nothing short of musical heaven.

Yet it is the finely balanced set list which, thanks to the mastery of the star attraction, raises the bar of Jazz performance beyond the expected parameters, particularly during the Roberta Flack, Ewan McColl and Peggy Seeger composed The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. A totally revamped, Latin-American version of Windmills Of Your Mind and a quite beautiful, rarely heard Lennon and McCartney number I Will, remain forever etched in the mind, while the beautifully upbeat Side By Side proved that as well as being superbly entertaining, this quintet also know how to have fun.

An excellent night indeed!

Chris High