Where do they serve the best pizza? In London. Don’t laugh. First let me tell you why: it’s because it is ‘spiced’ with jazz. Since 1969, Pizza Express on Dean Street, founded by Peter Boizot, has combined the roles of restaurant and jazz club. Over the years, the venue has acquired a cult status and is held in high esteem by audiences and musicians alike. Many of the concerts are 100% sold out, and the list of stars who have performed there is impressive.
On a weekend in late July the musical ‘spice’ was exceptional, as saxophonist, composer and bandleader Emma Rawicz, a rising star of the international scene, was at Pizza Express for a two-day residency. Last year she joined the renowned ACT Music label, who released her album Chroma. Over two days in the club atmosphere of Pizza Express Jazz Club, Emma Rawicz played no fewer than five times, presenting three different projects.
26 JULY – DUO WITH GWILYM SIMCOCK
The first evening was devoted to a duo with pianist Gwilym Simcock. The pair have toured together for a short time, and immediately after these two London concerts were due to record tracks for an album which will be released later this year. Their programme consisted of original compositions by both musicians, most of them written specifically for this project. The duo also played an interesting interpretation of a Stevie Wonder hit. Rawicz and Simcock excelled in the intimate setting, both in the calmer pieces and their more energetic forays. Their communication and conversational interaction were superb.
27 JULY LUNCHTIME – WITH ELLIOT GALVIN AND STRING QUARTET
The second concert took place the following day at lunchtime. Again, this was material receiving its premiere. This time Rawicz appeared on stage accompanied by pianist Elliot Galvin and a string quartet. Prominent in the quartet’s line-up was violinist Dominic Ingham, whom we remember (in Poland) for his participation in the Zbigniew Seifert International Jazz Violin Competition in 2020. Among the string players, he was allotted the most solo playing, and two pieces featuring him were presented in a piano-saxophone-violin trio format. There were also intriguing passages highlighting the violin and cello played by Cubby Howard in the foreground. The quartet was completed by violinist Jenny Clare and violist Abby Bowen. The repertoire consisted mostly of premiere compositions (one was written only a day before the concert) by Rawicz, and the whole was complemented by two pieces arranged for this unique line-up: one from the aforementioned album Chroma and one written for a duet with Simcock. The whole concept of jazz music with classical elements was a pleasure to listen to.
27 JULY EVENING – EMMA RAWICZ JAZZ ORCHESTRA
On the evening of the same day, Rawicz’s residency was rounded off with a concert by her Jazz Orchestra. She performed a triple role here, as composer, bandleader and soloist. Rawicz stated in one of her announcements that big band music is particularly close to her heart, and there was no doubt that she has a great feel for the atmosphere of a jazz orchestra, performing brilliantly in her compositions and arrangements and leading a large ensemble on stage. Most notable in the solo parts were guitarist David Preston, trombonist James Wade-Sired, percussionist Ananda Brandao and vocalist Immy Churchill, superb both in her vocals and in two beautifully performed songs.
The other members of the orchestra were: Ruta Sipola – flute, George Millard – alto saxophone, Kasper Rietkerk – alto saxophone, George Crowley – tenor saxophone, Damon Oliver – tenor saxophone, Tom Smith – baritone saxophone/bass clarinet, Brinley Heywood-Snell, Edouard Monnier, Miguel Gorodi, Steve Fishwick – trumpets, Joel Knee, Rory Ingham – trombones, James Buckle – bass trombone, Scottie Thompson – piano and Freddie Jensen – double bass.
Rawicz’s considerable skills as an orchestra leader are appreciated by the musical community, with both young and more estalished musicians willingly joining the line-up.
The two-day concerts demonstrated the versatility and class of Emma Rawicz. Newly graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, she proved that the compliments, admiration and awards that she has been receiving are right and fully deserved. An extraordinary weekend in Soho.
This English version of this article, and the photos, are published with the kind permission of Krzysztof Komorek.
