Nat Steele’s ‘Portrait of the MJQ’ quartet performs the music of one of the most successful and influential jazz groups of the 20th century, the Modern Jazz Quartet. Joining him are the young pianist Gabriel Latchin, Italian bassist Dario di Lecce, and Steve Brown on drums. The gig will include favourites such as ‘Django’, ‘Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise’ and ‘Bags Groove’.

The MJQ took jazz from the clubs and into the concert halls during the 1950s, and was a pioneer of the ‘third stream’ style, combining classical ideas with jazz. It featured the contrasting talents of its pianist and MD, John Lewis, who played with a refined and understated control, and the fiery, bebop style of vibes pioneer Milt Jackson.

Nat Steele has quickly gained a reputation as a formidable vibraphonist, described by Clark Tracey as ‘one of the best vibes players this country has ever produced’. Following in the style of Jackson, he takes a two-mallet approach to improvisation, focusing on melodic interpretation rather than chordal playing. He has performed all over the UK, Europe and in North America.

Gabriel Latchin has gained attention for his role in performing with Christian McBride and Renee Fleming at Wigmore Hall, as well as receiving significant media coverage for his first 2 albums. He has worked with Ronnie Cuber, Alex Garnett, Sara Dowling and Atila, and performed at concert halls, clubs and festivals around the UK and Europe.

Dario di Lecce was raised in Bari, Italy, where he began studying double bass with Maestro Giorgio Vendola. He has performed all over Europe and the US, and in 2012 moved to London, where he has firmly established himself on the UK jazz scene.

Multi award-winner Steve Brown first calls with many of the jazz world’s finest. He’s a member of Scott Hamilton’s Quartet, and has performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists including Benny Golson, Benny Green, Carl Fontana, Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Conte Candoli, Barry Harris, Junior Mance, Charles McPherson, John Bunch, and Hod O’Brien.

‘Sheer delight’ (Jazzwise)

‘Vibrant’ (JazzJournal)

‘A refreshing treat for the ears’ – (BBC Music Magazine, ‘Jazz Album of the Month’)

‘Vital intensity…’ (The Observer)