DOUGLAS FIELD relishes the hard-boiled language, satire and humour of the third and last of the Harlem trilogy
Alan Skidmore Quartet
Cafe Oto, London
The 52nd anniversary of John Coltrane’s passing was commemorated last week at at Cafe Oto by a powerful quartet led by 77-year-old tenor saxophonist Alan Skidmore, one of Trane’s great emulators.
He prefaced the performance with these words: “From my heart, a huge thank you to him for all his inspiration.”
And Skid had heard him live too as a teenager, at his famous 1961 Walthamstow concert.
CHRIS SEARLE urges you to listen to two new albums by the US Indian pianist VIJAY IYER
CHRIS SEARLE recommends a work of love and deep admiration for a great musician
CHRIS SEARLE recommends a new album featuring Pat Thomas and Ahmed, and marvels at the tempestuous power of a live performance
As part of the 2025 London Jazz Festival Rich Mix offered intriguing sessions titled 'Persian Jazz,' CHRIS SEARLE was there


