Mo Scott, Paul Edis and Neil Harland @ The Lit and Phil.

Mo Scott (vcl); Paul Edis (pno); Neil Harland (bs).
(Review by Lance. Photo by Jerry)

Another one of those delightful vignettes that make these monthly, well attended, soirees at the Lit and Phil such a pleasing experience. Mo Scott is more frequently heard hollerin' the blues like as if she'd been brought up on the southside of Chicago and today, although she was in a more sedate mode, the blues tinged phrases and inflections were were never far away. The musical pairing of Scott and Edis began in April at Newcastle Arts Centre where the duo created some musical sparks at a gig organised by the Pink Lane Jazz Co-op. Given that Neil Harland plays bass guitar in Mo's blues band, it seemed only logical that the multi-talented Harland should bring his double bass to the party and make the duo a trio.

Mose Allison's Stop This World got things rolling - a voice like a rusty razor blade took us to the deep south - perfect for lyrics like Stop this world, let me off, There's just too many pigs in the same trough, There's too many buzzards sitting on the fence, Stop this world, its not making sense.. 

Couldn't sing those lines with a precise enunciated delivery. Edis on piano played sympathetic backing as well as a solo that told the truth. Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You? Come Rain or Come Shine and I've Got My Love to Keep me Warm followed. The latter, a vocal high spot with Mo showing that you don't need to scat to show off your jazz chops - just move the lyric around a bit, take a few permitted liberties with the melody and let it all just hang out. There were more gems but by now you've got the picture. Perhaps the vocal high spot was  Sippie Wallace's Women be Wise.

Your best girlfriend
Oh she might be a highbrow
Changes clothes three time a day
But what do you think she's doing now
While you're so far away?
You know she's lovin' your man
In your own damn bed...
You better call for the doctor
Try to investigate your head.

Lyrics like that are food and drink to Mo and she simply devours them!

Of course, needless to say, Paul and Neil were superb throughout. Drummers? Who needs 'em?!

Next month, on October 18, it's the dynamic guitar duo of James Birkett and Bradley Johnston.

Lance.