As resident pianist and arranger at Ronnie Scott’s, James Pearson has the onerous and enviable task of working with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the world. Like his renowned predecessor Stan Tracey when a younger man, he has so far kept a modest profile nationally for a player described as “preposterously talented” (Jazzwise).

Within the first bars of the first number as guest soloist with the Spin trio, Pearson lightly but firmly took control and kept his fingers on the pulse of the proceedings for the rest of the evening. This was achieved not through a commanding manner or explosive playing but through a superb technique, persistently imaginative solos and, perhaps most important, a light humourous approach.

Like all artists, jazz musicians can sometimes take themselves and their music too seriously to the detriment of their persona as live musicians. Pearson plays with serious intent without losing a personal and musical sense of humour.

Most of the pieces played on this occasion were a tribute to Herbie Hancock, a good match for the airy yet funky drive of Pearson’s style. In Maiden Voyage he was magnificently fluid and energetic, while in a wonderfully upbeat version of Stella by Starlight (apparently one of Hancock’s favourites) there was a great light-hearted exchange between piano and Pete Oxley on guitar, with Pearson twisting the phrases into ever more complex forms teasing the resident Spin guitarist with each change of direction.

Pearson may have won that good-humoured exchange but there is a greater dimension in which the Spin trio of Pete Oxley, Raf Misraki and Mark Doffman are consistently on the winning side. They were a good driving trio when the Spin started but they have undoubtedly grown in stature over the years and now support a wide range of players with ease and conviction.

No wonder such players as James Pearson are not only happy to come out to the ‘provinces’ of Oxford but give so much when they do. The success of the Spin is undoubtedly a mix of the impressive list of international bands and the club trio itself.