GARTH'S GIG GUIDE FEB' 22 - MARCH 23

Temperatures rise & London's live music scene comes out of hibernation

Greetings from the Kiwi summer where the living is easy (and uneasy – Aotearoa is, like so many places, a troubled land). Anyway, while there’s great beaches and bush and sumptuous food and coffee and wine, there’s no longer has any real semblance of a live music scene. Yes, big bands – local and international – play here and there are a selection of summer festivals. Beyond that, live music is sparse, reduced to a handful of pubs/cafes. Which is debilitating for musicians and depressing for music lovers. Anyway, my monthly London list is likely a patchy one as I’m so far away from the Smoke. This noted, I’ve attempted to list notable concerts: do note that St Pancras Old Church is now regularly hosting remarkable rising talents. Polemic: if you don’t value the venues and artists playing out, then London will end up like Auckland and lose such. And, once the venues are gone – if NZ is any example – they and the musicians won’t come back (bad money drives out good - failing live music scene kills off artistry). Losing live music is akin to a cultural ecosystem dying - don’t let one of the world’s greatest music cities wither from neglect.

RIP JERRY BUTLER & GWEN MCCRAE - 2 SINGERS WHO MADE MAGNIFICENT MUSIC. BOTH PASSED ON FRIDAY.

Gary Crosby Sextet – 22 February, The Vortex, Dalston Kingsland

Crosby’s remarkable role as a jazz educator with Tomorrow’s Warriors shouldn’t overlook his abilities as a musician and band leader. Here he leads his sextet in a tribute to the great US jazz bassist and composer Charlie Mingus.

Tim Richards Trio – 23 February, The Old Library, New Cross Gate (free – 5-7pm)

Richards is a remarkable jazz and blues pianist and here, with a sterling rhythm section, he will play tunes by the likes of Monk and Miles + his own original material. Lovely space with a decent bar.

Mike Berry & the Outlaws – 23 February, Half Moon, Putney

Veteran British rock’n’roll outfit apparently still deliver a dynamic live set that captures the spark of Joe Meek-produced era sounds.

Madeleine Peyroux – 23 February, Cadogan Hall, Sloane Square

Peyroux’s a fine, original singer and her music blends jazz, folk and chamber pop – here she performs material from new album Let’s Walk.