ALISON CROOSE Burnham Westgate Church

ALISON CROOSE

Burnham Westgate Church

When late evening jazz was added to this summer's Burnham Market Concerts programme it was done in some style.

For pianist Kit Downes, bass player Tom Farmer and drummer Andrew Chapman are remarkable young musicians who arrived with a considerable pedigree, having already played with many leading names in the jazz scene.

So it was a treat to witness these bright young talents in an exciting performance of mind-blowing improvisation of standards from the American songbook plus some of Kit Downes' own material.

The trio quickly revealed themselves as a very cohesive unit, demonstrating huge musical empathy.

They revelled in the opportunity to prove themselves fine exponents of free-flowing variations in numbers such as Everything I Love, How Deep is the Ocean, and I Fall in Love Too Easily.

Norwich-born Kit Downes' gift as a composer was displayed in tunes including the soulful Export and one he named Burnham especially for the occasion. His ability as a pianist was breathtaking. Both bass and drummer had equally impressive styles and together they provided delightful entertainment.