Zingaro

Having welcomed Zingaro to the club back in 2019, Matt and Phred’s now do not hesitate to consider them a must-see within the programme. Our nightly live music consists of a lot of playing time, and it is always a delight to witness a band totally “go for it” from the first song all the way through until the last. Zingaro offers an experience which both delves into the history of fusion jazz alongside tasteful current influences both in terms of the set list and instruments used. All in all, the band is what the bar team ever-so-professionally call “tight”, and they have clearly put many hours into providing a musical experience which is to engross any audience. Singer Naomi brings a refreshing new level to the already stellar musicianship; making the music danceable and yet remaining true to the genre. The Matt and Phred’s doors will always be open for this wonderful band, and we are delighted to offer the space for them to showcase their unmistakable and unique talent.

West Kirby Arts Centre’s jazz club night is going from strength to strength and last Friday they hosted Merseyside-based Zingaro band for the first time in what is sure to be a regular booking. Although without a singer for this event, they excelled as a jazz four-piece with many pieces showcasing the incredible Chris Jones on both upright and guitar bass. At several points he took centre stage and delighted the audience with his inventive - and often surprising - solos. The musical chemistry between Jones and excellent drummer Paul Keelan is at the heart of the Zingaro sound as they moved effortlessly from bop, through classic 70s fusion to acid jazz and beyond. Guitarist Brian McCusker and keyboardist Kev Lovelady – whilst never loud or flashy – were inventive throughout and showed they could deliver tasty solos of their own when called upon. Early in the first set the band showed what they could do with a clever reworking of Take Five and then they really began to cook in the second set, after tearing through Hancock’s Cantaloupe Island they peaked with an extended version of Liston Smith’s Expansions. When the band had left the stage, Mono-Tone DJs played some classic jazz and funk on their vintage sound system to round off a very enjoyable evening. Plans are already afoot for a return gig: stay tuned.