The headline of Monday night’s concert in Melbourne, Nigel Kennedy in Recital, evokes formality and reverence, a serious classical music concert for serious people. Sporting the football jersey of his beloved Aston Villa, fist-bumping his band members, and throwing banter about with ease, the opening night of Kennedy’s Australian tour was far from it – and by this stage in his career, it would be a mistake to expect anything like a traditional recital from the virtuoso.

Nigel Kennedy. Photograph supplied

Kennedy was joined on stage by his band, the cellist Peter Adams, double bassist Piotr Kulakowski, and guitarists Rolf Bussalb – a longtime musical partner – and the acclaimed and innovative Howard Alden. The ensemble was relaxed, chatting, cracking jokes, and gave the distinct impression of a group of old friends jamming over beers in the shed – or, as the stage was decorated, Kennedy’s living room. The evening opened with a reverential performance of Bach’s Sonata No 1 in G Minor for solo violin, a subtle reminder to the audience that he has paid his dues, and can hold his own as a classical violinist, but the program was soon venturing...