Moody blues

It is a curious thing to hear a musician you've paid to see say, "I don’t think we’ve ever played together before." You could be forgiven for feeling confused, bewildered; perhaps even wondering if the musician was exploring the semantics of 'playing' further than your innocent mind might allow. Fear not: at The Jazz Bar the phrase is a mark of professionalism and skill. The Saturday night 9-12 slot for instance, is rarely populated by the same five musicians twice—the Quintet consisting of different home players every week —but the standard is extraordinary. Be it the nature of jazz or the quality of musicians, the evening is seamless. Not bad for a first time playing together.

Amidst an evening of solos, experiments and banter, the Quintet perform a set of two halves, playing jazz in the hard bop vein from start to finish. House player Keith Edwards, originally inspired by such jazz legends as Cannonball Adderley and Cedar Walton created the arrangements for the evening, and to see such talented musicians collaborating on a seemingly improvisational basis explains in itself the beauty of jazz. It is both original and traditional, and that makes it classic. While talking to Edwards, it becomes clear that his aims for the evening are to transcend the realm of modernity. When asked to comment on his style, he says that he likes to "play fun arrangements, like the hip music they played forty years ago."

Everywhere, feet are tapping in subtle appreciation of drummer Bill Kyle’s rhythm, whilst solos from musicians Tom Findlay, Ed Kelly and Colin Steele are met with rapturous applause. Edwards’ aims were achieved; the spirit of traditional jazz was alive.

It is the spirit of the evening that explains the nuance of this great venue. "No other place in Edinburgh plays this much live music", claims Edwards, "it gives musicians like us a chance to play the music they love and to create a good vibe." To aficionados well-versed in the jargon of jazz, it is the perfect venue to enjoy professional music, moderately-priced drinks and the essential good vibe.