ADAM GLASSER QUARTET

Adam Galsser on the keyboard - then the harmonica Mike Harris photographer

The Joy of Jazz - that’s what the legendary Adam Glasser exudes with every well played note. And his quartet, some old hands, others newcomers chime with the very distinctive South African sound. His concert for his alma mater the Cambridge Modern Jazz club was heavenly , the kind of musical experience every jazz fan dreams of. And the Hidden Rooms on Jesus Lane really does rank with the cellars of St.Germain des Près for groove, atmosphere and great drinks.

Ant Law by Mike Harris  photographer 

Adam tells a great yarn in between breathtaking, literally, turns on the harmonica. His hour long workshop before the performance opened doors on the genius of the instrument Adam was threatening to sell for a fiver a time “ I mean it I am fundraising here’. But dream on. If any of us could squeeze a note like him, we’d be queuing round the block. His piano playing is superb “ I think I’m getting more strength in my left hand don’t you?’ he asks his long suffering band mates And “ I think I am improving on interrupting myself” they murmured no reply. For Adam Glasser Is not just a man of music but hugely entertaining chat master on stage. He told us about his hilarious interview for Cambridge University entrance where a wizened old chap crouched silently on a sofa and never spoke to him. Those were the days. But originally from Cambridge and then Cape Town, Adam is an adaptable jazzer to truly admire.

Another image by Mike Harris does the legendary Steve Watts on base

The numbers played all night were from the Township jazz composers Glasser so admires. He urged. us click on Spotify Adam Glasser SA jazz even just for 10 seconds , it makes the ratings look better. But for a guy who’s played with the greats of SA and Britain and US( Sting Eurythmics Paul Simon) you won’t need much persuasion to have his music on all night. I am waiting for a list of the composers he recommends. Guess it will be a long one. But Adam doesn’t do things by halves so at some point - it will arrive. One of the great features of your online adjustable Cambridge critique

Corrie Dick by the Cambridge Critique's own snapper, Mike Harris