The Night
Rick Simpson's Saturday Swing is Alfie's doing what it was built for: the Guildhall-trained pianist live one flight up above Greek Street, martinis proper and the studio grand warmed up for him. Two houses, 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, both close, both quick to go. The name's on the bill now; the standard never moves.
The Music
Rick Simpson trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2008 with a Yamaha Scholarship Prize for Outstanding Jazz Musicians, his band landing the cover of Jazzwise not long after. He's a regular at the 606 Club, Pizza Express Dean Street, The Vortex and the Bull's Head, and has taken the stage at the Royal Festival Hall and the Purcell Room. His sideman work runs from Christian Scott and Eric Harland to Joe Sanders, Michael Janisch, Martin Speake, Stan Sulzmann and Jeff Williams, and he leads bands of his own alongside stints with Janisch, Leo Richardson and Jay Phelps. Trust the room, and this one delivers.
His 2016 record Klammer, on Two Rivers Records, paired his piano (and Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, glockenspiel) with a sextet built around saxophonists Michael Chillingworth and George Crowley, vibraphonist Ralph Wyld, bassist Tom Farmer and drummer David Hamblett — a set Simpson still calls the one he's proudest of. Saturday's houses run the same instinct solo at the keys: two sittings, both known to sell through, name announced or not. Dress up, arrive early, order the martini.
Plan Your Visit
above 49 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4EG
///books.ranks.fans
· Tottenham Court Road 3 min
· Leicester Square 6 min
Sets (6.30-7.00PM, 7.15-8.00PM) & (8.30-9.15PM, 9.45-10.30PM)
Transfers or refunds are available up to 48 hours before the event. Members receive 50% off advance tickets and walk-in privileges. For assistance or private hire, email concierge@soho.live. Please check the date on your booking before checkout. Full terms.
