The Bill Evans/Scott LaFaro Songbook. Cadogan Hall, London. August 29.

 Out To Lunch Jazz Series.

Gareth Williams (piano/vocal); Dave Green (bass).

On entering the room I heard the buzz of anticipation, like being in a beehive. It was an hour before performance  start, and  not an empty seat to be found.  I had to position my back to the wall......by the time  the strains of My Foolish Heart flowed around the room.  I would have happily stood on my head without a murmur.
Even standing, I’m short, not possible to see the musicians, I was surprised  to hear a voice singing You To Me Are Everything  one word  says it all    mellifluous.   A masterly stroke by Gareth, to set the scene with lyrics, instrumental in between, concluding with words.   This strategy was repeated later in the only  piece by Johnny Mandell  In Love In Vain.
Following the interval I was fortunate enough to be given a seat by Romy an attentive member of staff - little things do mean a lot. I was then able to look around the audience, most were on the edge of their seats - enthralled.
Some day My Prince Will Come, Lucky to Be Me, Gloria’s Step,  Young And Foolish, Very Early/What Is This Thing Called Love all beautifully crafted, without exception
I took the slow bus route home, oblivious of my fellow travellers, with the words percolating round my head "When a bee lies sleeping in the palm of your hand you’re  bewitched..........I most definitely was.

Flore