Nerija
Impromptu gig and I couldn’t have been more pleased that I went! After getting a message from my sister the night before, seeing if anyone would want to see a London based Jazz group, I jumped at the chance without knowing much about Nerija. My sister sent across some YouTube clips on them, but I wanted to go into the gig with fresh ears and experience it from the moment I step through. Luckily, this paid off – with a reasonable price for tickets too.
You may hear this a lot from me, but yup I arrived late and missed the opening act and talented Bass, singer songwriter Isobella Burnham. However, I got there just in time to wiggle into a fair view of the stage and seven musicians. Once on stage, I saw two familiar faces from Kokoroko, Sheila Maurice-Grey (Trumpet) and Cassie Kinoshi (alto Saxophone). Now for these to be 2/7 band members on stage, I knew that we were going to be in for a treat. After reading up on Nerija after the show, across google and reviews it continued to label them as the London ‘Jazz supergroup’ and I cannot faulty that description. Individually they seamlessly take it in turns to step up and have their own solo in the flow of a certain song. Nubya Garcia (tenor saxophone), Sheila Maurice-Grey (trumpet), Cassie Kinoshi (alto saxophone), Rosie Turton (trombone), Shirley Tetteh (guitar), Lizy Exell (drums) and Rio Kai (bass) and additional male Cello player (cannot locate/remember name sadly). With both Cassie and Nubya, stealing the show for most of the night for me. However, when amalgamated they show you why they decided to become this formidable group. The instruments accompanied each other so well it sent you on a musical journey that you wish continued for several hours. The blend of talent across the stage was unbelievable, I was in complete awe the whole night. The classic two step was in full force, but every so often my limbs ended up doing some next fluid movement trying to release energy the music emitted on stage. I am glad it was all dark within the venue, as there may have been some questions asked to me.
Nerija – please remember the name and check them out on your usual streaming platforms or through a physical copy…however, more importantly if you see them touring in a place near you go out and experience London Jazz.
