Chris Ingham\'s Steely Jazz Quintet: Live Review

Chris Ingham's Steely Jazz Quintet is one of the most exciting live jazz acts in Britain right now. Drawing from the Walter/Donald album, the band delivers ingenious jazz reinterpretations of Steely Dan classics with remarkable versatility, making this a must-see show for any jazz fan.

A Jazz Reinvention of Steely Dan's Greatest Songs

If you love jazz and Steely Dan, this quintet is built for you. Chris Ingham leads a five-piece through loving, inventive arrangements of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen's songbook, transforming familiar tracks into something fresh and genuinely surprising. From the opening muted trumpet on Josie to a bossa nova take on Only a Fool Would Say That, the band constantly shifts tone and texture. Ingham himself moves fluidly between piano, vocals, and guitar throughout the set, keeping the energy dynamic and unpredictable.

Standout Moments from a Remarkably Versatile Band

What sets this group apart is its collective range. Saxophonist Harry Greene switches to guitar for Haitian Divorce and Pretzel Logic, delivering soulful, southern-fried solos on a Larry Carlton Gibson 335. Paul Higgs moves between trumpet, flugelhorn, and piano with equal authority, while Geoff Gascoyne anchors the whole unit with a warm, propulsive bass presence. George Double's drumming is a masterclass in restraint and precision, whether using brushes on Any Major Dude or driving the rhythm on Black Friday.

Why You Should Catch This Show and Buy the Album

This is European jazz at its most inventive — a British band taking American soul and funk-influenced pop and rebuilding it through a sophisticated jazz lens. The Walter/Donald album, now available on vinyl, sold out during the interval at this very gig. That tells you everything about the audience's enthusiasm. If you get the chance to see the Steely Jazz Quintet live, do not hesitate.

Key Takeaways

Chris Ingham's Steely Jazz Quintet proves that jazz reinterpretation, done right, can feel completely original. With extraordinary musicianship and genuine creative daring, this is one of the standout live jazz experiences in Britain today. Catch them live and grab the album while you can.

Author: Sebastian Scotney

Source: UK Jazz News

Published: September 20, 2026