Nat Steele – Mjq [Jazz]

About this event

“A remarkable young vibraphonist in the Milt Jackson tradition.” –  Peter Vacher, Jazzwise Magazine

“A truly stellar all-round performance: stop-time chords, neat turnarounds, valid interchanges, nimble adjustments – all jazz life was here.” –  Dave Gelly (The Observer)

London-based jazz vibraphone player Nat Steele brings his long established MJQ quartet to Peggy’s for the first time. The quartet was formed to pay homage to one of the most successful and influential jazz groups of the 20th century, the ‘Modern Jazz Quartet’, as it was otherwise known. Together they’ll be playing a swinging take on the music of John Lewis and Milt Jackson, with music from their latest album, “Afternoon In Paris: The Music of John Lewis & The MJQ“, featuring US tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, as well as MJQ classics from their first record. Expect Bags Groove, Django, Softly As In A Morning Sunrise, Afternoon In Paris, Milano, and more!

Nat has been a mainstay of the straight ahead/bebop jazz scene in the UK for over 10 years, regularly featuring with his quartet at Ronnie Scott’s and other major venues around the UK and Europe. He’s known for his unusual two-mallet approach to playing the vibraphone, playing it as a frontline instrument, like a horn, rather than as part of the rhythm section. He counts a wide variety of musicians as an influence, with Milt Jackson, Victor Feldman, Cal Tjader, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt and Bud Powell as particular favourites.

In 2017 he launched his debut album, “Portrait of the Modern Jazz Quartet” on Trio Records, with a sold-out album release concert held at Ronnie Scott’s, followed by 2 years of touring the UK with the quartet. The album garnered critical praise and was awarded “Jazz Album of the Month” by BBC Music Magazine, with a plethora of positive reviews in the jazz press, including 4 stars in The Observer and Jazzwise Magazine.

In 2019 he was invited by Grammy-award winning pianist, arranger and composer Alan Broadbent to give the world premiere of a new work celebrating the 25th anniversary of Watermill Jazz. later this year he’s due to release completed recordings made in New York at Rudy van Gelder’s studio with Mike LeDonne, Peter Washington and Kenny Washington, a tribute to the great vibraphonist Milt Jackson.

“A refreshing treat for the ears” –  Rebecca Franks (BBC Music Magazine)

Line up:
Nat Steele – vibraphone
Matyas Gayer – piano
Lorenzo Morabito – double bass
Steve Brown – drums