Sam Eagles Quartet

Friday 28th August

The Verdict, Brighton

    With a selection of beautiful original compositions taken from Sam’s album Next Beginning (on the Fire label) the interval left the audience wanting more.

    The second half was the highlight of the evening as the band began to take off. Beginning with the Sam Rivers classic Beatrice, the band featured some fantastic soloing from young vibes player Ralph Wyld, together with some virtuosic displays from bassist Sam Casimir. The original Smells Like Summer also featured Sam performing equally well on soprano saxophone.

    Featuring some great drumming grooves by Eric Ford (who last appeared at The Verdict with Sam’s brother Duncan Eagles as part of Partikel), the ensemble gelled and interacted on a level that you would expect to hear from much older, experienced musicians. This fantastic young band is full of energy and creativity.

Charlie Anderson