The Mother’s Day jazz session at St Katharine's Docks offered a relaxed and engaging early evening of live music in a striking setting. Guests were welcomed with a crochet flower and a complimentary glass of Nyetimber before huddling under blankets with the wind whipping around the pontoon and the Spring rain hammering above.
The floating pontoon creates a close connection between performers and audience. With little room to move beyond a small bar, attention naturally settles on the music and the boats moored around the dock. The simple setup works in its favour, keeping the focus on the performance and creating a strong sense of a shared moment.
We were in safe hands with vocalist Olivia Swann, wisely dressed in a huge puffa and cap. She delivered a confident, controlled set, with clear vocals and an easy rapport with the audience. The programme paid tribute to great women of jazz, including Peggy Lee, Judy Garland and Sarah Vaughan, alongside a broader nod to influential women more generally. A highlight was Swann’s own song about Diana, Princess of Wales, adding a personal and contemporary note.
The overall tone was easygoing and intimate, with both audience and performers fully engaged throughout. It’s a format that suits jazz well, allowing space for nuance without feeling overly formal.
Returning for an Easter session—let’s hope the sun shines on the pontoon. Regardless, dress warmly and settle in for a unique early evening in a historic East London dock.
