Jo Harrop (vcl); Paul Edis (pno); Mick Shoulder (bs); Rob Walker (dms).
An evening that showed due reverence to the Gasbook which this pundit didn't mind at all!
Rodgers and Hart, Cole, Irving and George G were all represented.
Looking resplendent in a figure hugging black gown, Jo took us East of the Sun with more than a hint of Anita O'Day in her interpretation. Lady is a Tramp, The Man I Love and My Favourite Things were served up and, in the latter, I wanted to insert the line - Morteaux Sausage, Salsify and Wild Mushroom as this starter was certainly one of my favourite things.
Autumn Leaves, Fine and Mellow with some fine and mellow blues piano from Paul who played the blues as if he'd learned his craft in a Basin St. bordello!
The set finished with Too Darn Hot which didn't apply to my Grilled Barnsley Lamb Chop, Poached Tomato, Olive Oil, Portobello Mushroom and Bearnoise Sauce - it was just right mmmm...
Cheek to Cheek, This Can't Be Love and I Could Write a Book got the second set up and running - despite having an ear infection it didn't stop Jo from swinging things along. Paul too was on the receiving end of a migraine yet in 'Book he managed to insert a most appropriate quote - Good Bait - just as my Poached Pear, Almond Gratin and Chocolate Sorbet arrived - this was good bait indeed!
My Funny Valentine, a medley of Summertime, the Hi-Di-Hi bit from Minnie The Moocher (with audience participation) and Fever with a suggestion of Miles' So What hovering beneath it all.
Just One of Those Things, Every Time We Say Goodbye and I Wish I Knew How It Felt To Be Free brought the show to a close.
Although this was the fourth consecutive night the restaurant was close to capacity as I believe it also was on Saturday.
Mick Shoulder and Rob Walker supplied the rhythmic underpinnings with Rob's sympathetic brushwork impressive and Mick's harmonic foundation just perfect.
Lance.
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