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Hegley’s unique mix of jazz and poetry
PREVIEW: JOHN HEGLEY
Spice Of Life
IT is surely impossible not to have a soft spot for John Hegley, who has been entertaining thousands with his whimsical poetry and acute sense of humour since he made his debut at the London Comedy Store in 1980.
He has always maintained a delicate balance between his unique brand of performance poetry and jazz, enjoying the free form and improvisation possibilities that both art forms enjoy.
I remember seeing him perform at POM, the live jazz/poetry event pioneered by Michael Horowitz several years ago, almost stealing the whole evening with his rendition with a live jazz ensemble of Grandad’s Glasses, which posed the question as to what should be done with his “empty glasses” now grandad was dead.
And he has written a poem eulogising about Ray’s Jazz at Foyles’, which can be read at the store’s website.
The performance poet will be appearing at the Spice of Life, in Romilly Street, on Wednesday in a special Jazz and Poetry Cabaret and will be joined by tenor saxophone player George Khan
The Spice of Life has rapidly become one of the best jazz venues in central London.
It might not have the history of either Ronnie Scott’s or the Pizza Express jazz club in Dean Street, but it consistently attracts excellent acts and remains affordable. The new Ronnie’s, for all its glamour and ability to attract the biggest names in world jazz, has faced criticism from some for being too exclusive and expensive, where prices can reach as high as £45, and standard prices are £26.
To see someone as good as John Hegley, in a basement venue that feels like a jazz venue should, for just £8 represents an excellent bargain.
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