In recent years, Ethan Iverson has emerged as a leading jazz scholar and writer. His essays are deeply insightful, and his Substack newsletter, Transitional Technology, is a must-read for any serious jazz fan. With that in mind, it’s easy to forget that Iverson is, first and foremost, a highly talented pianist.
As if to remind us, Iverson has embarked on a European solo piano tour inspired by his love of noir movies and science-fiction TV shows, debuting in the intimate setting of the 606 Club in London.
Iverson opened and closed his program with two new pieces composed specifically for this tour. The opening piece, Into the Dark, played primarily in the bass register, immediately captured the audience’s attention with a sense of mystery and drama. The closing piece, Return to the Light, provided a happy ending, resolving the tension with brio and a touch of boogie-woogie.
In between, Iverson presented a well-curated selection of tunes, alternating dark motifs with more romantic, dreamy atmospheres. The pinnacle of the evening was his wonderful and evocative rendition of Bernard Herrmann’s classic Vertigo theme.
Another gem was his own composition, Showdown, a piece he recently recorded in a quartet setting for Billy Hart’s new album. It’s a beautifully cinematic track, seemingly tailor-made for a classic French drama. As the melody progresses, you can almost picture two main characters walking along the Seine under a grey sky. I was so captivated that I wished the tune would never end.
A seemingly improbable medley of the standard Laura and Angelo Badalamenti’s Twin Peaks theme worked surprisingly well. Alternating between the two, Iverson transported the audience back and forth through unsettling sonic landscapes, as if inside a David Lynch film.
Among the other highlights was a cheeky rendition of The Pink Panther theme and the Edge of Darkness theme from the 1980s British TV series, originally featuring a guitar solo by Eric Clapton. One gets the sense that, growing up in Wisconsin, Iverson must have watched a lot of television.
As the only departure from his carefully planned cinematic program, Iverson honored a request with a beautiful, soulful rendition of Someone to Watch Over Me. Should he ever decide to perform an entire set of standards, I for one would definitely be there.
Francesco Ragni is Founder and Director of Londra Italia
