Maureen (Mo) Scott (vcl), Stu Collingwood (pno), Neil Harland (bs), Lloyd Howell (dms).Another night of music to die for and food to diet for at what is now recognised as the undisputed king of jazz dineries in the north.
Mo Scott may be regarded as more of a blues/rock chick but she can cut a jazz gig with the best of them.
Tonight, her songbook included "Taking A Chance on Love", "Embraceable You", "Love Me or Leave Me" - a kick ass version of Ellington's "Squeeze Me" - "That Old Devil Called Love", "Georgia" and a very bluesy "Bye Bye Blackbird".
This brought things up to the intermission pror to which I'd had my tastebuds tuned up on Home Cured Duck Bresaola, Duck Scratchings & Bitter Leaf. Not a massive portion and indeed the duck may still be flying around with just a few scratches however, it sufficed to get the juices ready, willing, and able for the main event which, in my case, was Pan Fried Hake with Spiced Parsnip Puree. Shallots & Granny Smith (alas poor Granny you were never so sweet as in death). Succulent is the only word, no other will do for this dish.
As is the way at the Cherry Tree, the gloves came off in the second set with band and singer moving it up a notch with Mo letting it all hang out on "Come Rain Or Come Shine" - she was moving into Big Mama mode - "Fever", "Blue Skies", a "The Very Thought of You" that displayed unmistakeable traces of Dinah Washington causing me to pause, reluctantly, during my Treacle Tart with Lemon Créme Faiche to admire the skill with which she handled the lyric and the timing.
"World on a String" then a blast on "Kansas City" and "Route 66".
On piano, Stu Collingwood was featured on "I Get A Kick Out of Stu" (My title!) and "My Funny Valentine" as well as knocking out some grabable stuff with Mo.
Neil, melodic and rhythmic as ever, and Lloyd - far removed from the Lloyd who drives Mo to the verge of hysteria at the Maggi Bank - was as tasteful as they come.
It was a good night with an audience slightly reduced by the post Xmas depression although swelled by Mo's mother and brother (had a bit chat with bro.) and third cousin twice removed...
Excellent gig.
Next week Andrea Pattison and band. I'm building up an appetite already.
Lance.
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