Andy Summers
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The ex-Police guitarist Andy Summers has had a surprisingly successful solo-jazz career, producing consistently good albums that both demonstrate his love and knowledge of the music, but also his abilities as a re-arranger of the angular work of both Monk and Mingus.
Sticking with the tried and tested power trio of his old rock band days, Summers is a compelling performer that now thrives in intimate club surroundings, as it’s been a while since his stadium filling days. The now legendary gig at Pizza Express where Sting popped by to sing ‘Round Midnight’ (Clare Martin’s quick transcription of the lyrics for him all part of the magic moment) Summers above such support for credibility or drawing a crowd, packing a punch with a set that features everything from breezy Brazilian sambas to out and out frenzied fusion.