The Night
Friday Fever returns with a voice made for it: Louise Messenger, the Adelaide born, London adopted jazz singer, takes the hidden jazz den inside Jack Solomons through the songbook's smokier corners. Candlelight, close tables, two shows at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM with cocktails at the kiosk from 6:00 PM. She sings for swing dancers as happily as for martini sippers, and this room holds both. The kiosk opens early for a reason.
The Music
Louise Messenger trained in jazz voice at Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium and has spent two decades proving the investment: residencies at Nightjar, Oriole, The Ned and this very Piano Bar, tours through Europe, China and New Orleans, and a record with the London Dance Orchestra. UK Jazz News reviewed her at Brown's Hotel and called the evening a masterclass in jazz singing, pausing mid review to write: What. A. Voice. Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O'Day are the school she comes from. The sass is entirely her own.
Expect the Great American Songbook with its dust blown off, the famous tunes beside the ones only the collectors know, delivered by a singer who also dances swing and knows exactly what a rhythm section is for. Friday at the Piano Bar runs hot and close, and Messenger works a small room like it is a favour to her. The early show suits conversation, the late one loosens its tie. She is a regular on this stage for good reason.
You don't go to a five star hotel for a masterclass in jazz singing, but that was what I witnessed.
Sebastian Scotney, UK Jazz News
Plan Your Visit
inside Jack Solomons Club, 41 Great Windmill Street, Soho, W1D 7NB
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· Piccadilly Circus 2 min
· Leicester Square 4 min
Sets (7.00-7.30PM, 7.45-8.15PM) & (9.00-9.30PM, 9.45-10.15PM)
Cocktails at the kiosk from 6PM
Transfers or refunds up to 48 hours before the event. Members receive 50% off advance tickets and walk-in privileges. Assistance and private hire · concierge@soho.live. Please check the date on your booking before checkout. Full terms.
