Gigspot: Jocelyn Brown | Jazz Cafe

Last Friday we enjoyed an invigorating live performance from legendary vocalist, Jocelyn Brown (& the Allstars Collective), at the Jazz Cafe in London.

It's one thing listening to this lady on record, but very much another to hear  (and feel) her voice resonating through your ears from a matter of feet away. Uplifting and inspiring, her voice soared to euphoric heights that few other singers can reach. A very enjoyable performance indeed.

Gigspot: Jamiroquai | Jazz Cafe

A couple of days ago, VibeRide was amongst 300 people to see Jamiroquai play an exclusive gig at the intimate Jazz Cafe in London.

Minus the usual feathered head dress and sporting instead a more modest purple trillby, Jay Kay hit the stage with more band members than could physically fit onto it. This meant we were treated to the peculiar spectacle of backing-singers standing on a stair case, but it took nothing away from Jamiroquai's performance.

Gigspot: Earth, Wind & Fire | London

Last week we had the enormous priviledge of seeing Earth, Wind & Fire perform live. Although I lived in hope, I never really believed I'd get to see Earth, Wind & Fire because it seemed their touring days were over. Naturally then, when I heard they were playing London I felt like a kid with a new toy.

Gigspot: Roy Ayers | New Years Eve '09

Seeing as VibeRide spent New Years Eve at the Jazz Cafe in London with none other than the legendary Roy Ayers, we thought you might like to hear about it. So here goes.

GigSpot: Incognito 30th Anniversary | O2 Indigo

Ever since it was announced that Incognito would be performing with Jocelyn Brown at the Indigo to celebrate their 30th Anniversary we had been anticipating a great night and that's exactly what we got. The Indigo was a far better stage for Incognito than the Camden Centre - where we had seen them perform in April - and the O2 arena's venue within a venue allowed their musical and vocal brilliance to burst forth.

GigSpot: recommendations

Dates for your diary

Vibe Ride recommends the following gigs (we've put our money where our mouth is and already have our tickets!).

GigSpot: Maceo Parker | Jazz Cafe

An absolute legend. The Jazz Cafe ended up adding a date that I made my sister go to because I knew she would love it (and she did). Aged 66 Maceo Parker is a performer who just didn't seem to tire. A saxophonist who cut his teeth playing with James Brown in the 60s (who, it is alleged, would fine people for a wrong note!). Maceo appears to have learnt a few dance moves from James Brown too!

GigSpot: Incognito | Kings Cross

Incognito are a British band who are celebrating their thirtieth anniversary with a concert at IndigO2 at the O2 in London this August. We saw them in April at the Camden Centre and although the vibe was excellent the sound in that venue was not the best. Nevertheless we enjoyed the gig immensely. There were fifteen musicians and singers on that small stage by the end! Guitarist Jim Mullen, who toured with the Average White Band, had a guest spot. The musicians and vocals were excellent and we're looking forward to seeing what Bluey's got planned for IndigO2. Anna

GigSpot: Roy Ayers | Jazz cafe

On new years eve 2008 we ventured out into cold to the Jazz Cafe in Camden to see the ubiquitous Roy Ayers. It is something I have always loved about jazz; it is the only place a man can play the xylophone and be cool! But cool he most certainly is.

GigSpot: Stevie Wonder | 2008 tour

The last twelve months has, in my opinion, been an unprecedented year for live music in London with a number of bands and artists visiting the capital. Music with a funk vibe has been no exception with Stevie Wonder visiting the UK for the first time in many years; Roy Ayers taking up residence in the Jazz Cafe for a week; the brilliant Incognito celebrating thirty years and outstanding performances by the effervescent Maceo Parker.