Tina May (vcl), Robin Aspland (pno), Arnie Somogyi (bs), Steve Keogh (dms). + Sarah-Emma Hughes (vcl).
I decided it was time to pack up all my cares and woes and head south for a couple of days in our capital city (London). That I chose possibly the hottest day of the last ten thousand years didn't faze me although I did wilt a little in the intense heat.
However, the air conditioning in the Green Man's 'Porters Basement Bar' was very effective. In less humid times it could have been referred to as 'draughty' (or is it 'drafty? Or does it matter?) Tina May with the Robin Aspland Trio was the star attraction and she gave her own distinctive renditions of an assortment of 'gassers' (songs from the great American songbook) and bebop classics.
In the latter category, Clifford Brown's 'Daahaud' was on the money, 'Well You Needn't' not quite.
“You've Changed” (the sparkle in your eyes is gone) always an emotive lyric was handled well as was one of the lesser known songs from “On The Town” - "Lucky To Be Me".
"You Go To My Head" sung as a samba didn't quite work but it was an admirable attempt to inject some new life into an overworked standard.
One of Tina's plus points is her delivery of les chanson – her pronunciation displays not a hint of Franglais and it is easy to see why she did the recent Piaf tour; “Autumn Leaves” a fine example.
An added bonus was a guest appearance from NYJO singer Sarah-Emma Hughes who duetted with the star on a blues melange involving “Route 66” and “Kansas City.” The girl did good. She later returned for a blast on “Take The A Train”.
On piano, Robin Aspland was the perfect accompanist and a powerful soloist. The rhythm section of Arnie Somegyi and Steve Keogh acquitted themselves admirably.
All in all a very enjoyable evening spent in the charming company of our southern correspondent Angela J.Elliott who is herself no mean singer.
Lance.
PS: Thank you Angela for correcting the bass and drum names.
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