Joe Webb Trio at The Verdict, Brighton

The Joe Webb Trio captivated a sold-out audience at The Verdict, a small but finely appointed venue in Brighton, with an evening that celebrated jazz’s diverse stylistic heritage. The trio, consisting of pianist Joe Webb, drummer Sam Jesson, and bassist Will Sach, has been performing together for about seven years, establishing a residency and sharing their distinctive approach that blends swing with subtle Welsh influences.

Webb’s commitment to this intimate gig was underscored by his decision to prioritize it over a prominent guest appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, highlighting the importance he places on deep musical connection and local engagement. The evening opened with “Goalmouth Scramble,” a lively stride piano number from Webb’s album "Neath Beat," immediately setting a jubilant tone and encouraging audience participation.

Throughout the performance, Webb exhibited remarkable technical skill, characterized by both agility and meticulous control. His playing was marked by dynamic contrasts and rhythmic sophistication, ranging from precise stride patterns to fluid, Bach-inspired runs. The trio’s interplay was equally compelling, with Jesson’s drumming weaving between triplet rhythms and straight beats, complementing Sach’s solid walking bass lines.

The repertoire included original compositions alongside reimagined standards. A standout was Webb’s take on “I Covered The Waterfront,” delivered with a blues-inflected medium tempo and enriched by intricate phrasing and well-measured embellishments. Original pieces such as “Like Sachs” featured inventive structures, including a bass introduction followed by cascading piano figures, and nods to jazz luminaries through subtle musical quotations.

Webb’s compositions demonstrated a broad range of influences, moving from stride and swing to blues and even Spanish motifs. Notably, a piece dedicated to football commentator Clive Tilsley brought a unique cultural crossover to the set. Other originals like “The Fantastic Mr Cox” and a blues dirge with chromatic melodies showcased Webb’s ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary sensibilities, employing space and dynamics to great effect.

Audience engagement was enhanced by Webb’s personable stage presence and storytelling, offering context for each piece and forging a warm rapport. The second half featured a tribute to Lionel Messi with “Hamstrings and Hurricanes,” a stride-heavy number that included a distinctive right-hand solo and a snare drum spotlight. Solo piano interpretations, such as a rendition of “You Took Advantage Of Me,” further highlighted Webb’s versatility and deep understanding of jazz piano traditions.

The trio also performed pieces with personal significance, including “David and Goliath,” written for Webb’s brother, and “Hiraeth,” an elegiac composition with echoes of Elgar’s style. The evening concluded with energetic, Monkish chordal explorations and a celebratory stride finale honoring James P. Johnson, a pioneer of stride piano.

The performance was characterized by a balance of joyous exuberance and nuanced emotional expression, earning enthusiastic acclaim from the audience. Webb’s integration of influences from Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, Barry Ellis, and Errol Garner was evident in his touch and phrasing, yet his own compositional voice remained distinct and compelling.

Overall, the Joe Webb Trio’s night at The Verdict reaffirmed their status as formidable interpreters and innovators within the jazz scene. Their dedication to swing and melodic storytelling, coupled with exceptional musicianship, made for an evening that resonated deeply with jazz aficionados and newcomers alike. Details on further tour dates or releases remain limited at this time, but this performance undoubtedly adds to Joe Webb’s growing recognition in the jazz community, as reported by ukjazznews.com.