02/02/2010 The Gig Guide

Heads South is a refreshing cultural mix of players with outstanding jazz credentials. The band is led by pianist composer John Harriman and features the outstanding UK jazz trumpeter Steve Waterman, Cuban percussionist Chino Martell Morgan, drummer Buster Birch and bassist Tim Robertson. Their music is a blend of original pieces and cleverly arranged jazz classics. Cuban rhythms dominate giving the music its distinct Latin jazz feel.
The highlight of a varied and lively opening set was an original salsa number El Cardenal which is a musical reflection on the composer’s choir days. It featured some rocking syncopated percussion and drum soloing. The second set included reworkings of the well known jazz classics Mach the Knife and Guatanamera, the latter provoking a bit of audience participation but thankfully no chants of “one team in Europe”. Arguably the best tune of the evening was the album piece Sweet Swan which included an excellent piano solo and some crisp and bluesy Hubbardesque trumpet playing.
Heads South is a fine jazz band and well worth watching. They have dates booked in venues across the South East over the next few months. You can check this out along with some of the tunes on their website www.headssouth.com.

27/10/2009 Nigel Williamson, The Times long-time music correspondent

Heads South may not come from the barrios of Havana but they play Latin jazz like they've been doing it all their lives. Their musicianship is impeccable. But more importantly, they play with a real feel and spirit for the music.