Sarah L King – ‘Fire Horse’ album launch
(Pizza Express Dean Street. 18 February 2024. Review by Lavender Sutton)

The afternoon performance for Sarah L King’s debut album Fire Horse at Pizza Express Dean Street on 18th February was sold-out, abuzz with many familiar faces, fans old and new looking forward to the captivating performance ahead. 

The musical journey of this album was expertly guided by Claire Martin OBE, who not only produced the album with ECN Music but also brought together a top-flight ensemble of musicians to elevate Sarah’s project to its fullest potential.

Joined by the fabulous trio of Jim Watson (piano), Laurence Cottle (electric bass) and Luke Tomlinson (drums), King skillfully led the audience through the album tracks, which included a select few well-loved standards, but mostly her own originals in the same spirit.

King’s musical strengths stem from her family roots. Her father was a musician and she spoke highly of his influence on her, even including a song that she’d written for him entitled Skyscapes. Of course, the family lines continue, as she then shared a song for her son entitled Your Biggest Fan and spoke about memories listening to ‘The Jacksons’ version of Show You The Way To Go with her brother growing up, leading to her own version here now – a very catchy, jazz shuffle that really held its own! 

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Standouts of the performance were the waltz Mystery Ride, with lots of interesting chromatic melody elements and Holding On To Love, which had a very soulful, 70’s almost disco vibe to it and has Cottle on the electric bass playing some juicy lines. Both tracks were backed by special guest vocals of Claire Martin and Ian Shaw (both of whom contribute BVs on the album as well). King’s version of Stolen Moments also held a special place in the performance: showed off her jazz chops and gave way for Watson, especially, to let her rip with a really stellar piano solo.

It’s always a treat to hear how jazz vocalists can find sparks and bring new songwriting to the genre. Not always an easy task, but important to the growth and creativity of song. Sarah L King’s contributions received a warm response from the enthralled audience. 

LINK: Preview/ Interview feature by Kai Hoffman
Bookings for Sarah L King at Piano Smithfield on 19 April