Sam Braysher/Michael Kanan Quartet

The Verdict, Brighton

Friday 8th September, 2017

    American pianist Michael Kanan is known for his appearance at New York’s Smalls, as well as his work with vocalist Jane Monheit. For the launch of his new duet album with UK saxophonist Sam Braysher, he was joined by bassist Dario Di Lecce and drummer Steve Brown.

    Beginning with the lesser-known standard There’s a Small Hotel, this was a confident quartet, capable of anything, from interpreting Songbook standards such as Like Someone In Love to playing C Jam Blues.

    The Sam Braysher tune BSP is the only original on the excellent album Golden Earrings, a contrefact based on Love For Sale.

The second set featured a stunning solo piano performance by Michael Kanan on Somewhere Over the Rainbow and a beautiful rendition of the Victor Young classic Golden Earrings, first made famous by Marlene Dietrich.

Charlie Anderson