Monday night’s well-named Brighton Groove Project was defined by raw musicality and an ambitious concept.

The house band, a group of four experienced and talented players, set the benchmark extremely high. They played a fusion of funk and jazz which ensured that, although the stage was open, any amateur player would think twice about taking the floor.

The band rotated throughout the evening, with the house band maintaining enough of its shape to give structure to the improvisations.

New players joined in, either following them or offering up a riff.

All those who participated, from bassists to soul singers, were able not only to keep up with the band, but read the complex on-stage communication, play multiple sections and end songs with a polish.

In terms of participants, this event was a hotbed of qualified, quality musicians.

As a relatively young performance, however, it was played to a very small audience.

Clearly the organisers have had trouble gaining traction, but while there may not have been much of a crowd, the musical talent was there in force.

Four stars