Verona Chard (vcl), Paul Edis (pno), Mick Shoulder (bs), Rob Walker (dms).
Another evening of vocal delights at the Cherry Tree - this time by London songstress Verona Chard on her way home from Edinburgh.
Tonight, Verona was ably supported by the Paul Edis Trio who got things moving with a spirited version of Gone With The Wind. The lady herself came on and Got A Kick Out Of You whilst my fix was Rabbit and Smoked Ham Croquettes with Apple Sauce.
My Funny Valentine followed. This was a dramatic rendition with lots of unexpected spaces and coloratura leaps which, impressive as they were, I felt came a little too soon in the programme to be fully appreciated by the diners who were, in my case, allowing the taste buds to luxuriate in the Pork Chop with Spring Cabbage and Smoked Bacon, rather than give their undivided attention to such a compelling vocal.
Verona's amazing range was well in evidence on Fly Me To The Moon - in places she almost re-wrote the melody!
Angel Eyes - moody, climbing inside the lyric, probing - like a latchkey trying to find a keyhole after a night out.
All of Me was bouncy with an extended piano intro leading into the vocal. Despite her range I think our girl could have benefited with a lower key.
The set finished with Summertime and I finished with Iced Coffee Mousse with Amaretto Sabayan - I don't know what Amaretto Sabayan is but it tasted delicious.
Summertime wasn't bad either.
A bottle of Black Sheep Bitter and a quick chat with VC and JC (BSH contributor) then VC was back on for Killing Me Softly With His Song, Autumn Leaves and Sondheim's Fear No More.
An emotive Embraceable You, Where Flamingoes Fly and Night and Day rounded off another enjoyable evening at the Cherry Tree.
Paul Edis, needless to say was on form as was Mick Shoulder who had his fair share of solo space. On drums, Rob Walker kept things moving in his understated way. The groove was there.
Lance.
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