Comments on concert the Pizza Express – The Pheasantry 

“What a brilliant night, what a fantastic singer, amazing band and great songs. Best night out in a long time.”

Kate Jones

“What a fantastic evening! Perfect musicianship from everyone. Rebecca’s voice is absolutely wonderful and her interpretation of those songs was magical. This deserves a wide audience.”

Morgan Deare

“Well done to Rebecca and everyone. Great evening and fantastic musicianship all round. She’s a star. I’m sure this would do very well if it toured round the country.”

Paul Dornan

“Am amazing evening- congratulations everyone!!!
More more more please”

Ellen Renton

“Terrific gig tonight with Rebecca Thorn and her boys (and girl!!) in the band, down Chelsea way-gorgeous singing and playing-total nostalgia for me. What wonderful musicianship and fab revisiting of familiar and much loved songs! Congrats to all involved and thank you all for a lovely evening. I look forward to the next gig.”

Geraldine Fitzgerald 

“Fantastic gig, brilliant musicianship tonight with the 1971 Project. I’m looking forward to the next one guys!”

Martyn Ramsden

Review of concert at the Riverhouse Barn Walton

Fittingly billed by the venue as The American Songbook 1971, this was an evening of new interpretations of songs from four classic singer-songwriter albums produced that year – James Taylor’s Mud Slide Slim And The Blue Horizon, Neil Young’s Harvest, Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Carole King’s Tapestry.

A less than cheery introduction informed us that this was the year Charles Manson was sentenced for his part in the Tate-LaBianca murders, and a hundred people died in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. After that, however, the mood lightened as the accomplished five-piece band reminded us of the superlative writing of Laurel Canyon’s famous residents. A year in gestation, the project brilliantly showcased the jazz credentials of the players thanks to the imaginative arrangements of guitarist Chris Winslet (distant cousin of Kate, if you’re wondering).

The opener, a subtle ‘Heart Of Gold’ featuring wooden flute and melodica, was followed by ‘Mud Slide Slim’ with a characteristically delicate vibes solo from percussionist Martin Pyne (Busnoys, HarmonieBand) and the first of a number of blistering sax solos from reeds virtuoso Tony Woods. Vocalist Rebecca Thorn moved to piano to deliver a duly laid back ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’. Her delivery never an imitation, she consistently gave sympathetic and sophisticated performances, worthy of these great songs.

The most striking rendition of the evening was ‘Blue’ with Rebecca’s vocals accompanied only by the double bass of her father Mike Thorn (Just Misbehavin’, David Essex). A creditable enterprise, to be repeated occasionally – catch it when you can. Colin Bailey

Audience Feedback on MAP Cafe gig 

“Occasionally, just occasionally, you have an evening that really touches you. You couldn’t have that much fun with Chris Winslet and his band every night cos it wouldn’t be special anymore. If you love Neil, Carole, Joni and James, and that Laurel Canyon sound then don’t miss the 1971 project next time round.”

“Chris Winslet was on great form with his dulcimer/retuning/please singalong banter. Really great night”

“I LOVED the whole thing.  Just beautiful music… brilliantly arranged and performed.”

“It was truly fabulous … Very talented people”