Najee, Jonathan Butler, et Avery*Sunshine

Najee is a professional American smooth jazz saxophonist and flautist – That’s right, he plays jazz flute. He has had such a fantastic career so far having performed with the likes of Chaka Khan, Prince and Patti Labelle. He made a name for himself playing with such huge names and then in 86’ decided to embark on a solo career.

Tonight he performs various works on both saxophone and flute. He opens with “Room to Breathe” on the alto sax, which he immediately delivers a two-octave glissando at the start, similar to “Rhapsody in Blue” by Gershwin. His set is filled with some glorious musical twists and turns, with songs such as “I Wish” and “Sweet Summer Nights” making the whole audience get up off their feet and dance. His technique is absolutely flawless, as he delivers some modal styles of playing, getting fiendishly technical. He finishes with “Rendezvous” which elevates the audience to a higher plateau, dancing drinking and celebrating.

As usual Jonathan Butler did not disappoint - the concert was a collaboration between three well-known artists with unique styles together it was pure joy between love Jonathan Butler Alex Bugnon, and Norman Brown. The music was the best of the best. They sang and played, we danced, we sang, we enjoyed - this was one of the best concert of the summer The best part of one of the most fun venues ever was that not only did I get on stage but I also gave Alex Bugnon a long stem rose, and Norman Brown and Jonathan Butler fiesta roses. This was one of the best concerts ever.

It's so special to see pure talent beginning to blossom and luckily I am barely in the Islington Assembly Halls when Anoushka Lucas takes her spot in the support slot. It is a real treat as she offers a unique sound and a number of self penned songs including 'Brixton Hill'. Despite initial shyness it is clear that the audience have warmed to her and she has done her job very well by the close of her set. I am ready for Avery. Having seen and reviewed Ms Sunshine twice before I feel confident that she will deliver. I am ready to be entertained and she is more than able to satisfy. The whole gig drips of quality, truth and oozes with pure soul. This gig is the first time that the songs from the new cd 'the Sunroom' get the full band treatment as well as the classic favourites from the first cd. Tonight between snippets of Anita, Gladys, Maroon 5 and the acoustic Luretha Jackson medley encore we get Avery and that is so damn good that at times I find it hard to control myself. I am swept away in her Sunshine movement. She makes me smile in the knowledge that reminiscence is a beautiful thing when she sings 'Pining' and I really don't care who knows it! Each song showcases the most amazing vocal performance that I have witnessed since she was last here....but tonight Avery moves way beyond that first time and is even more accomplished. I am happy to hear that she is in Love and this shines through when she moves to the Grand Piano and tells us what this means on 'Nothing into Something' and 'Call My Name'. It reminds me of her support slot for Anthony David at the Jazz Cafe a few years back and her rendition of 'Ugly Part of Me'. I often watch that on You Tube as I was there and it shone as a moment with a truly sincere, soulful storyteller. Tonight the whole gig was chock full of moments. I really do not think I could have whooped harder or louder. She is outstanding on 'Safe in His Arms'; 'See You When I Get There' is wonderfully accepting of each persons different journey in this big old world and beautifully served with relish. An evening in the company of a truly beautiful, genuine star that shines like Ms Sunshine is a happening that all of London needs to experience. Even as I write this it is with pure tears of joy.....happiness....optimism....love....love....love...'Won't You Try Love'....thanks Avery xx.