The Barbican’s auspicious start to the London Jazz Festival evolved as Gregory Porter entered the floor heralding Jazz Voice, easing into 'Feeling Good' – made popular by Nina Simone – Ian Shaw joined from the opposite side. Porter's silky baritone voice blending with Shaw's vivacious lines over a 40 piece orchestra now firing on all cylinders and creating an uplifting crescendo that had people swaying. Swiftly maintaining the momentum Ayanna Witter-Johnson entered the fray with the risqué 'Love For Sale'.

No case of wham bam thank you mam as Norma Winstone performed 'A Timeless Place'. The exquisite arrangements by Guy Barker and neat accompanying story lines binding singer with song were creatively programmed to flow. Michelle Dockery showed no Downton Abbey idleness with the tricky 'Sans Souci' or the provocative Lucinda Belle delivering 'Candy'.

Whilst Mary Pearce worked up a raunchy 'Bad Weather' and audience primed for Shingai Shoniwa's 'Love Me Or Leave Me' I prayed for no wardrobe malfunctions! Never to be upstaged by such stalwart voices the orchestra hit back with 'Tribute To Impulse' an incredible medley of the label's finest recordings–the icing on the cake of a great opening night.

– Roger Thomas