Dominic Ingham Quintet play high-energy set at Elgar Room

Ensconced in the plush surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall, the Elgar Room played host to a night of forward-looking jazz, spearheaded by the burgeoning talents of Dominic Ingham. The young composer is fast establishing himself as one of the UK's leading proponents of jazz violin, breaking away from the manouche trappings of old with his diverse approach to the instrument and the genre.

Opening track 'Wrapped' sets the bar high, with Ingham’s violin expressing a wide range of emotions, by turns elegiac and ebullient, but always thoughtful. He excels at tension and release, going from frenetic soloing to lithe, laidback melody with ease. Another piece, aptly entitled 'Daydreaming', leads with a languid, musing hook, creating a feeling of nostalgic whimsy. It doesn’t last. The rhythm section, comprising Jay Davis on drums and Will Sach on bass, up the ante as the track progresses, building to a rousing finish.

Before one track, Ingham informs the crowd that it will feature vibes player Jonny Mansfield, before cheekily adding “now he knows.” Unfazed, the talented Mansfield lets loose with some supremely assured soloing, drawing loud applause. Young guitarist Miles Mindlin provides delightful comping, but also tears around the neck in solo sections, with spiky, occasionally bluesy runs and shades of the late Pat Martino.

The show is divided into two compact 40 minute sets which tick along rapidly, carried by the quality musicianship and the inventive compositions. The second set starts with ‘Falls’, an  earworm of a track that is also arguably the most accessible for the casual listener. Some light whooping from the crowd – it is the Royal Albert Hall after all – accompanies the opening bars, perhaps cementing its place as something of a fan favourite. Final track ‘Phones’ provides a strong finish, with Ingham producing some of his most technically impressive playing. At one stage, he warns that the show has to finish at 11pm, wondering how they’re doing for time. “It’s six o’clock somewhere”, comes a response from the crowd – a plea, in this case, not for a glass of wine, but for the night not to end.

@james_rybacki