Take away more than just great pizza from Pizza Express Live

Pizza Express became part of my musical heritage when I discovered Kettner's* in London's Soho and then in other venues that began offering music alongside the food. It's now renowned for its high class jazz performers and earlier this year it launched PX Records to share some of these outstanding performances still further.

Pizza Express Live launched PX Records on 14 April 2023 and its opening artist roster is extraordinary.

Scott Hamilton Quartet: recorded, mixed and mastered by UK sax player Dave O'Higgins, this is a brilliant collection of tracks performed live by sax legend Scott Hamilton. He's joined by John Pearce (piano), Dave Green (bass) and Steve Brown (drums). This is almost like listening to shows recorded in New York's finest jazz spots and marks the 40th anniversary of Hamilton's first appearance at PizzaExpress Jazz Club.

Native Dancer: This amazing London-based band includes some of the hottest musicians from the UK scene: Frida Touray (vocals), Josh Arcoleo (sax), Sam Crowe (piano/keyboards), Jonathan Harvey (bass) and Dan See (drums). With hip hop and R&B influences, this is definitely music from the heart of London and it's well worth a listen.

Mamas Gun: Needing no introduction, this is a great chance to listen to a fabulous band recorded live on stage. With an introduction from radio producer and DJ Deb Grant, this includes some of the band's finest tracks, including the brilliant 'Friends to Lovers'.

There is bound to be more from PX Records: I'm currently listening to Matt Johnson's recording, which I'll be reviewing in depth for KindOfJazz.com.

You can catch excellent live jazz (and maybe pick up some CDs or vinyl to maintain the jazz magic in your ears) at Dean Street, Covent Garden, Holborn or the Kings Road.

* Kettner's enticed me into Soho frequently during the 1980s where it was slightly glamorous but still offering great food. Now owned by the much grander Soho House chain, Kettner's was a place to hang out with other musicians and often alongside a friend playing the grand piano. Once a favourite haunt of Oscar Wilde, it has always had a certain cachet - I haven't been back since it was reopened by its new owners.

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Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

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