It's surely not a good idea to cross swords with the blogmaster but, as self-appointed Fashion Editor of BSH, I must protest at the photo of Zoe in his review. The photo does nothing to convey the mixture of glamour and confident friendliness that Zoe and the band projected. Other women singers I've seen usually don't chat much, but Zoe's tales of Travel Lodge adventures, at London, Ipswich etc. were interesting and amusing.In the two years that I've been listening to jazz seriously, this gig was definitely one of the best. There was certainly No More Blues after the singing began and Zoe gave a 100% to the audience, with adventurous timings in the songs, and a voice with a massive range and wonderfully handled high notes. I especially liked the tender song of love for 7 year old Eleanor; the Tom Waits spiritual Way Down In The Hole (sung with just Andy on bass, how romantic to be able to do music with your fiancé); the heartfelt 'Round Midnight; and the fun of Some Cats Know. For this last number Zoe wisely stopped singing to let the band finish the number with cat-like calls and howls even though the 'cats' Zoe sang about weren't of the feline variety!
The band were great and Lance has covered that aspect of the gig so I've left that to him.
Meanwhile you can all relive the evening with the CD Looking Glass. Great stuff.
Ann Alex.
PS: More photos - this time some from Richard - a friend of Zoe and Andy.
My dear Ann, I'll have you know that the black and white photo you refer to was taken to re-create the mood of 'Round Midnight. Bleak, lonely and poignant. Full of broken dreams and stark realism.
ReplyDeleteHowever, to appease you, I have added a coloured picture to your otherwise excellent article.
Your P45's in the post.
Lance.
Hi Lance
ReplyDeleteTwo things...1)What nonsence is this - 'Fashion Editor'? 2)I agree with the 'Fashion Editor' that the photograph doesn't do Zoe justice. That said, the poignancy of Round Midnight does explain the rather stark black and white image except that your review failed to set in context the dedication of the tune to Paul Gamblin. Well, Ann, I guess I can expect my P45 is the post.
Russell