Despite recently celebrating a birthday of significance (his words, not mine), Derek Nash still retains unrelenting energy, both as musician, bandleader and as director of his own recording studio.

On stage, his is a constantly mobile presence, generating not only enthusiasm in his audience but a joyful and collaborative fizz among his co-musicians.

Vibrant fun is what exudes from his being. I once suggested he could earn even more as a medical product Extract of Nash could well prove more fortifying than Phyllosan, even though he has now passed that certain age himself .

Stylistically, you get the full jazz saxophone works with Nash. He can come on golden-toned and sweetly-phrased on baritone, in the Harry Carney manner. He can generate the gutsy spirit of Ben Webster on tenor. On alto there are echoes of David Sanborn and on soprano he can bring to mind Grover Washington at his most wistful.

But make no mistake, inspired by all those lively

influences, what he gives you is full frontal Nash.

You can get two enlivening infusions of this uplifting stimulant this coming week: on Monday September 17 at the King's Head, Bexley, and on Sunday afternoon, September 23, with Digby Fairweather for another charity fundraiser at St Christophers' Hospice, Sydenham.

No need for a health warning overdosing on Derek Nash is definitely not harmful.

September 13, 2001 10:28