Joe Ringer and Roxy Yarnold on stage at Interlude – photo © Norwich Eye

 

Those of us who need a regular fix of live music have found the lockdown of the last six months particularly difficult, so it was a welcome opportunity to catch up with Joe Ringer and his band at the Interlude tent in Chapelfield Gardens.

Joe is a Norwich Theatre favourite, regularly filling venues in Norwich. He has assembled a five piece band of accomplished local musicians for his two-night ‘Legends of Jazz’ show in the big top and is joined on stage by his life and singing partner Roxy Yarnold.

Joe is an engaging chap who clearly enjoys singing the classics in this repertoire. He sets the tone from the start with a languid version of ‘Route Sixty-Six’. Alan Barnes on saxophone features from the start in this distinctive classic. Singing ‘Let There Be Love’ allows us to appreciate the skills of pianist Matt Hodges, while ‘Sway’ brings out the talent of Dave Land on muted trumpet.

Roxy Yarnold joins the band on stage for both duets with Joe and solo numbers, including a delightful rendition of Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’. Alex and Owen give solid rhythm support throughout on drums and bass.

The tent is a curious setting for this languorous late night jazz, so be sure to take a scarf and blanket if you set out for tonight’s show, but it is chill rather than cold and the music will warm you up. There is time for a good selection of tunes, but with no interval the show is kept to a manageable 80 minutes overall. As ever the stewards are thorough in keeping us all in our socially distanced groups and the seats are generously spaced out.

Joe Ringer is a natural presenter and is always popular with audiences, tonight was no exception. He brings audience members from all over the region as people are clearly happy to travel to enjoy his shows and never disappointed by this capable band.

If you are quick there may be a couple of tickets left for tonight’s show, so don’t dither, get online and give yourselves a pleasant evening of real live music to beat the lockdown blues.

To book tickets visit norwichtheatre.org or call Norwich Theatre Box Office on 01603 630 000.