Seeing as this was my first time at the Duke of Monmouth, and my first at the ‘Jazz at the DoM’ Nights run by Oxford-born jazz promoter and talented sax player Trish Elpinstone, it would have been wrong, even rude of me not to sample the menu of risotto porcini, with beef fillet slices and seasonal salad, followed by Mövenpick Ice Dream, a de-gorgeous strawberry and ice cream dish.

This, needless to say, set me up nicely for the job in hand, which was to review the Theo Jackson Quartet.

Theo leads his band from the piano and his likeable, easy-going, confident manner makes one warm to him instantly. Throughout the set the playing is polished and accomplished – perhaps a little too polished for my tastes at time, but still with enough grit in the smooth to hold my interest and indeed have me nodding my head in appreciation.

The first song in the set captured my attention with a strong a cappella vocal intro, Theo’s vocal reminding me of Mark Murphy or Mike Campbell. The band then proceeded to work a kicking version of ‘Stormy Monday’, with scat vocals, sweet bass and guitar solos. This made for a satisfying start to the evening.

I was very impressed with the first original composition of the night, entitled ‘Another Day in Rain’, a soul/jazz midtempo jazz groover with a strong Stevie Wonder influence, both vocally and musically. Throughout the first set, Theo and his band kept the groove locked tight, with fluidity and great expression. Jamie McCreadie, on guitar, was actively encouraged by Theo to contribute superb solos that would make the likes of Wes Montgomery or Earl Klugh proud.

The first set closed with a ‘Billy’s Bounce’, a joyful jazz scat bopper, with stunning playing from drummer Jason Reeves. The second set proceeded with another very strong original tune called – I think – ‘Fairytale’, with yet another masterful performance from Theo on vocals and keys, the piano style reminding me at times of fusion pianist David Benoit.

The music on display continued throughout the evening in a similarly high quality vein; a mixture of ballads and up-tempo numbers doing more than enough to keep the well-attended venue entertained and impressed. Special mention must be made here to the band: Jamie McCreadie (guitar), Paul Jefferies (double bass), Jason Reeve (drums). As well as keeping the groove rock solid, their solos were on point and played with feeling. Theo himself is a joy to watch as well as listen to, he has a slightly madcap set of facial expressions and is a twitchy, energetic performer. Clearly a talented instrumentalist, writer and vocalist, Theo also has pop appeal, and with youth still on his side he has plenty of time to develop his talent. The lack of pretence and sheer joy of just playing music he loves is refreshing, and makes a welcome change from the ‘too cool for school’ permanent scowls of some local young (and not so young) bands plying their trade.

Jazz at the Dom nights are described as ‘Local Jazz for Local People’. Further information can be found at www.jazzatthedom.com.