Two packed houses at last weekend's Hadleigh Jazz Club enjoyed Paul Higgs and his Sextet Pavane performing a classical/jazz concert that showcased some fresh compositions from their new album Summer Lullaby.

The unique blend of styles included Paul's atmospheric and melody-rich original compositions, as well as specially selected cover versions. Paul, the former musical director at the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, beautifully arranged all.

Following a break of nearly a decade it was a welcome return to the Club for the group. As before, Paul was joined by the lineup of Natalie Rozario (cello), Andy Watson (guitar), Chris Ingham (piano) Jerome Davies (bass), and George Double (drums).

Before the show, I was able to grab some time with Paul. He told me: "It's always a pleasure to be back performing in Hadleigh for the Hadleigh Jazz Club. We always receive a warm welcome and it's a highlight of our musical year." Adding, "It's also always great performing with the Chris Ingham Trio as they are undoubtedly the Rolls Royce of rhythm sections."

He continued: "For today's concert we are augmenting the trio for my Pavane project, and the band will feature the fabulous Natalie, Andy, and myself on trumpet."

Paul has aptly named his band, the term 'pavane' being variously described as delicate, dreamy, melancholic, haunting and atmospheric. From the very first notes, the audience was engaged with the mix of emotions elicited by the talented musicians.

With a show much to my taste and of such quality, there were many standouts from the twenty or so setlist. Setting the tone, the band introduced itself with the opening number Pavane, from the eponymously titled CD.

Smoothly transitioning  into the Doris Day classic, Secret Love, the band suddenly burst into life with Chris demonstrating that he was in up-tempo dazzling form.

Still in my mind was a recently attended J.S. Bach concert in Amsterdam. So, Samba Baroque, Paul's homage to the great early music composer was a special treat for me. It featured Natalie on cello for the infectiously vibrant rhythms of Brazilian music.

The beguiling cello of Natalie must have added another dimension to jazz for many audience members. Not only has the instrument a physical relationship with the player, but its remarkable tone is considered similar to the human voice. I imagine that both lovers and non-classical music lovers, alike, would have appreciated it.

Andy was a great listen for me all evening, never more so than when switching guitars to his specialist nylon string Flamenco model. Recalling a long-ago night spent in a Seville Flamenco club, Paul's composition Seville was an evocative tribute to the birthplace of this special music.

Pictures by Martin Gould.

And there was an audible collective audience sigh of pleasure on hearing the first notes of the Burt Bacharach favourite This Guy's In Love With You, memorably recorded by Herb Alpert in 1968. This romantic favourite is featured on Pavane's new album, as are many of Paul's self-penned compositions.

The breadth of the setlist was exemplified by Paul's bravura showpiece playing on Rimsky Korsakov's Flight Of The Bumblebee. It was an outstanding demonstration of his technique which nearly took my breath away, as it must have for others.

Next up at HJC is Paul Jones, the legendary singer and harmonicist of the Manfred Mann Band and The Blues Band. Joining him will be John Etheridge's Blue Spirits Trio.

The show is on Saturday, 17 August, and tickets will be available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/hadleigh-jazz-club As demand is bound to be high, be ahead of the rest by ensuring you receive advance information about it.

Do this by adding your name to the Club's mailing list. Either email George at [email protected]; call him on 07941 360890; or go to his website www.georgedouble.com/hadleigh-jazz-club