Tonight at this legendary 606 Club in Chelsea, I sat listening in amazement at a very special gig, witnessing Mel Gaynor's Jazz Fusion Project playing a truly world-class melodic Jazz set, interweaved with Funk and Soul grooves. Not unsurprisingly the show was sold out, with a demographic of international travellers and Jazz lovers, including a family from Exeter who had travelled up especially for the evening!

A powerhouse behind his kit, Gaynor is an esteemed drummer himself, having been a driving force in global Pop and Rock for over four decades with a back list of credits such as Simple Minds, Tina Turner, Elton John, Brian May, Peter Gabriel and The Pretenders. Due a deserved re-boot, in 2006 he also released 'Code Name', a highly regarded album at the time, described as "a mix between Progressive Rock and Jazz-Fusion”,

The roots of Mel’s Jazz Fusion Project also boasts MOBO & Mercury award-winning Denys Baptiste, who played the saxophone so beautifully, crafting and curving every note with such care and impeccable breathing and tone. Bassist and rising star Issy Brown also provided skilful underplaying on the scores, with diligent deference to Baptiste., while Sister Sledge, Mica Paris and Imagination piano/keyboard player, John Watson, played with a sophisticated skill that blended and elevated the Jazz music magic!

There are nights and times when I think I am truly blessed and privileged to photograph and review the calibre of artists that I do, and hear and experience the special atmosphere of the sound that they make. This night was one of them. Indeed, the audience were so in awe of their intricate rhythms, searing grooves, and boundary-pushing interplay. - you could have heard a pin drop in between the pauses. Rightly so!

Containing extended compositions, the first set from this colourfully attired quartet included 'Got The Message', 'Beyond the Stars', 'Preludia' and Zeta', before opening the second half with Herbie Hancock’s 'Chameleon' (which was sixteen minutes of pure joy), before closing out with 'Betrayed', 'Maiden Voyage' and 'Your Touch'.

Indeed, I enjoyed every minute of this gig. and for those of you that love classy Jazz combined with Funk, played by the very best, then you should really sample Gaynor’s Jazz Fusion Project for an electrifying evening of outstanding musicianship!

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester