Ronnie Scott’s website described Ashley Henry as “a remarkably talented pianist & vocalist” with his “signature rhythmic bland of fusion, jazz, soul & hip-hop”. From what I heard tonight (14 March, 2026) there is nothing I can write that will contradict what the Ronnie Scott Jazz Club posted. I was front row and centre Upstairs at Ronnies and was joined at my table by Sebastian, who came specifically to hear Ashley Henry having been involved in a workshop he had run some weeks before (more of Sebastian later).
The first number, Déjà Vu, came from a 2016 album release and featured Ashley’s melodic lines over David Mrakpors repeating bass pattern with rippling drums from Richard Spaven. It was the bass that grounded this tune and gave it its rhythmic timing – the drums and piano playing around David Mrakpor’s centre. Take It Higher, from the latest album release, Who We Are, had the bass locking in the main theme, the drums were beat driven while Ashley Henry provided soulful vocals over an absorbing melody.
Moving Forward opened with a very good drum solo from Richard Spaven. There was also an excellent bass solo from David Mrakpor with Ashley’s left hand providing a complementary sound that gave added depth to the bass lines. Over all this Ashley’s right hand played out the melody as the intensity of the piece grew, bringing a great energy to the room before fading away. The title track of Who We Are featured the piano and vocals of Ashley Henry and is a gentle R&B number that was a good breathing space after the previous number.
The standout number of the evening was, for me, Ahmed, Ashley’s dedication to Ahmed Jamal. Ashley spoke warmly of Ahmed and shared how much of an influence he had been on Ashley’s development as a pianist. The tune focused on the theme presented by the piano with the bass lines playing off that motif with Richard Spaven’s drumming keeping the number moving forward. There was a wonderful improv section before the band returned to the head and played out this fitting tribute to the man whose name gives the tune its title.
The evening closed out with I Still Believe, with its R&B vocals over piano jazz lines, each member of this very good trio playing their individual role to bring out the best of the sum of its parts. Throughout this evening Ashley Henry was keen to explain his musical background, how he had met the other two players and what else they are involved with (plenty to go away and discover). The passion for the music is most apparent, as is his delight in the blending of musical styles.
As for Sebastian and me: well he was very much taken with the drumming of Richard Spaven and as good as that was, I was very much taken with the bass playing of David Mrakpor. We both agreed that Ashley Henry is a talented musician but his choice of accompanying players no doubt helps highlight his compositional skills.
Musicians: Ashley Henry (piano), David Mrakpor (electric bass), Richard Spaven (drums).
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