The Westbrook Blake at Blackheath, London

[Roger Farbey]

The Westbrook Blake, Blackheath 20.12.25

What may well be the last performance of The Westbrook Blake by its founding cast took place last night at Blackheath's famous Concert Hall. A full house greeted the Westbrook ensemble featuring stalwarts Kate Westbook, Phil Minton on vocals and Chris Biscoe on soprano and alto saxophone. They were augmented by accordionist Karen Street, violinist Billy Thompson, pianist Matthew Bourne and bassist Steve Berry. The concert was also underpinned by the superb Blackheath Halls Community Choir conducted by Paul Ayres. Mike Westbrook appeared last on stage in a wheelchair and took up residence by the grand piano but left it to Bourne to play the instrument which he did with great aplomb. The ninety minute performance with no interval was hugely impressive not least by the vocalists. Despite being in his mid-eighties, Minton's vocal gymnastics have lost none of their power and ability to amaze. Kate Westbrook too, another octogenarian, delivered a stunning performance. Mike - now 89 - contributed spoken recitals of two Blake poems, his voice as lithe and dramatic as it ever was. He even was seen adding vibra slap percussion on one number.

Minton's renditions of Long John Brown And Little Mary Bell and the grand finale I See Thy Form, were terrific and typically memorable to the point where some (including me) might regard him as the greatest vocal improviser in British jazz.

It's incredible to think that I witnessed Minton singing and playing trumpet in Mike Westbrook's jazz rock outfit Solid Gold Cadillac at the late lamented Phoenix pub in Cavendish Square well over 50 years ago. Minton, unbelievably, sounded just the same as way back then. 

Whilst Mike Westbrook and others regard his major works as Citadel/Room 315, The Cortege and On Duke's Birthday it is undoubtedly The Westbrook Blake which stands out as a timeless and genre-crossing work, originated from the late Adrian Mitchell's 1971 National Theatre production of Tyger for which Westbrook wrote the music. It has truly taken on a life of its own and Blackheath's concert reminded us, if any needed reminding, that Mike Westbrook is the ne plus ultra of British jazz.

[mjazzg]

I saw Westbrook Blake performed at Kings Place getting on for 10 years ago now. It was honestly astonishing and very moving. The power of Blake's words was perfectly expounded by Minton and Westbrook that night too.

I'm so pleased to hear that last night's performance was equally as powerful. This is a landmark work of British music, transcending genre.