Marco Marconi and Mark Wade were two of the last artists I saw in March 2020, so it was only right that I get along to see them live at Benslow Music School in Hitchin almost exactly five years later. And their performance was simply 'Slick' (one of the Wade originals they played).
The Italian Marconi (piano) has made the UK his home and Wade (double bass) - an inveterate New Yorker - visits every few months, with this duo gig tying in nicely with some teaching on a jazz course at Benslow Music.
Both of these hugely talented musicians have appeared on Harmonious World. I interviewed Marco just a few weeks into the Covid-19 pandemic, and his gig at the Pheasantry on London's Kings Road was my last live music before we went into lockdown. I've interviewed Mark twice - the first time just the week before Marco and the second just a year ago.
As in the past, the Marconi/Wade duo delivers beautiful jazz in the lovely setting of Benslow Music, with a combination of original and standard tracks. Mark Wade's Slick is one of my favourites, but each tune they played gave both players plenty of room for improvisation, using the whole range of both piano and bass expressively and delightfully.
Hearing the duo is always a delight, from their opening tune of There Will Never Be Another You, with the jazz collectively and individually filling the space. Here's to next year's gig!
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