Review and Images By Ken Jackson
Tuesday evenings are always the highlight of my week, rain or shine. I make it a point to arrive as early as possible to secure a prime spot in the queue outside the Comrades Club in Coulsdon, home to the legendary Tuesday Night Music Club. These weekly gatherings have become a haven for live music enthusiasts, with some dedicated fans traveling over an hour to be part of the experience.
The recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, drawing audiences from near and far. Last night’s show was a testament to the Club’s stellar reputation, featuring the incredible talents of Jana Vargová and Stefan Redtenbacher band. This marked the second time they had graced the TNMC stage with their homage to Joni Mitchell—a show aptly titled Joni Mitchell Reimagined.
Jana’s tribute to Joni is a heartfelt celebration of the legendary artist’s music. The lineup of musicians who have contributed to this show is impressive, including Rumer, Mim Grey, Jo Harman, Sarah Jane Morris, and Mike Mayfield. Each artist brings their own unique flair, captivating audiences in prestigious venues and festivals worldwide.
Jana’s interpretation of Joni’s music is truly breathtaking, especially when paired with the masterful Stefan Redtenbacher on bass. The band for the evening featured Stu Roberts on drums—stepping in seamlessly for Mike Sturgis—and Pete Billington on keyboard and guitar. Their collective musicianship was nothing short of spectacular.
As the night unfolded, we were taken on a journey through Joni Mitchell’s iconic catalogue, each song carrying a rich sense of musical history. Jana’s versatility is remarkable; she effortlessly transitions between genres, her vocal prowess leaving the audience in awe. The TNMC crowd responded with rapturous applause and enthusiastic cheers after every song.
The first set of the night was a masterclass in instrumental and vocal performances, with Jana showcasing her skills on the flute and Keyboards After a short break, the second set continued with the same magic. Jana took the opportunity to perform a couple of her own compositions, while Stefan delivered a mesmerizing bass solo—humorously titled Noodly Doodly by his wife. Throughout the evening, the interplay of instruments created a spellbinding atmosphere, with Jana occasionally switching between flute and keyboards, further elevating the experience. Pete Billington’s expertise on the keyboard added yet another layer of depth, complementing Jana’s vocals beautifully.
It was no surprise when the evening concluded with a well-deserved standing ovation. The musicians looked genuinely moved by the outpouring of appreciation from the audience. As I left the Club, I couldn’t help but reflect on the sheer talent and passion that had filled the room, once again making Tuesday night a truly special experience.
My thanks as always to those on stage and behind the scenes ensuring a superb evening . Martin and Ross on the sound desk ,the bar staff and Richard Dunning for endeavouring to provide superb artists providing quality live music week after week.
+ There are no comments
Add yours