This week’s podcast + track of the week

Bein' Green down the Emerald - on the Victoria Enbankment in London
Bein’ Green down the Emerald: Leo son of Benny who co-wrote ‘So Near So Far’ with Tony Crombie that Miles Davis recorded on 1963’s Seven Steps to Heaven listens to the lion with his Vantabulous Alumni Band. Pic: marlbank

Track of the week is a new song from Jo Harrop featuring backing vocals from none other than Marley Munroe aka Lady Blackbird.

A first visit for Marvin Muoneké to Soho's Flamingo Club – its grassroots spirit attracts a new generation of gig-goers.
A first visit for Marvin Muoneké to Soho’s Flamingo Club – its grassroots spirit attracts a new generation of gig-goers.

Track of the Week – ‘Smoke Inside a Jar’ new from Jo Harrop feat. Lady Blackbird on backing vocals

Meeting of minds: soul mates & produced by Lady B’s comrade in arms Chris Seefried with the Milesian Deron Johnson on keys

More from marlbank

Top jazz so far in 2026
The very best jazz vocals of 2026 so far

Welcome

Feeling good: Hop to the bop and more at the Blue Note coming above soon with hip hop & R&B loving US multi Grammy winning jazz pianist Robert Glasper (In My Element, Black Radio, Covered etc). Read my review of the post In My Element period Glasper at Charlie Wright's in Hoxton back in 2008 run in Jazzwise & an interview with him the following year in the same pages

It's the site of the new Covent Garden outpost of the Steven Bensusan led international jazz club franchise on St Martin's Lane, above - the place is to be managed by Nick Lewis (recently of Mornington Crescent spot Koko and Soho shrine of all shrines, Ronnie Scott's). The place will be on the top right of the picture where Gymbox used to be [the white protruding frontage you can just about pick out] at the Hop Gardens corner. Pics: marlbank - taken the Tuesday night before last, coming up over from the Emerald aisle in the Temple not far away.