Stratford Circus is home to the Friday night E15 Jazz sessions hosted by musician and music promoter Steve Reece. The most recent session featured a unique sounding quartet called Just East, who brought together all manner of musical influences from all over the world.
They began by re-imagining a traditional Klezmer tune, followed by a new composition featuring the Kalimba (African thumb drum). When the four musicians weren’t laughing or appreciating each other’s riffs, they looked lost in their swing; pretty much possessed by the music. They filled the studio theatre with their sounds; jumping from one lick to the next, never losing their harmony.
The audience laughed, drank and at one point, even danced at the front. The energy didn’t leave the room once. But sadly, after two hours Just East had finished their set, having taken the audience on a journey as they told us the story of their lives, using stylishly vibrant jazz and wacky song names for the narration.
I didn’t want their story to end to end. No one in the room wanted it to end. But each month, another group of international artists will grace the stage and share their story through music.
So, if you are seeking a more laid-back atmosphere than your usual jazz club, but still want that high-end experience, get yourself to E15 Jazz Sessions at Stratford Circus.
And tell Steve Reece I sent you.
