Virtuoso Jazz Trio @ The Lit & Phil. April 11

George MacDonald (clarinet), James Birkett (guitar), & Tony Abell (double bass) + Bernice MacDonald (vocals)

(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Jerry Edis).

The latest in the Lit and Phil’s monthly lunchtime concert series presented the Virtuoso Jazz Trio. The trio’s performances are few and far between and this city centre date drew a large audience keen to hear timeless material from the Great American Songbook. Three Gershwin tunes to begin with: But Not For Me, Somebody Loves Me and Lady Be Good. Clarinet virtuoso George MacDonald took the first solo of the afternoon, on the second number virtuoso guitarist James Birkett developed a solo from a welter of chords and on a swift Lady Be Good virtuoso bassist Tony Abell swung none stop. 

From Gershwin to Goodman and Flying Home. Mr MacDonald spoke about BG’s touring days back in the day, criss-crossing America, finding fame and fortune. Ellington featured – Don’t Get Around Much Anymore and It Don’t Mean a Thing  – and yes, it swung! Swingingly relaxed, an art in itself. Mr MacDonald introduced Lullaby of Birdland suggesting George Shearing was Britain’s finest jazz pianist, period. All three virtuosi took a solo, MacDonald and Birkett’s harmonic ideas a delight. 

A surprise guest – vocalist Bernice MacDonald – sang, without a microphone, The Girl From Ipanema. Ms MacDonald appeared to be slightly nervous, thrust into the limelight in front of a standing room only audience. Jobim’s masterpiece is a delicate thing, Ms MacDonald sang delicately, winning applause. The Telephone Song, something of a novelty number, heard our vocalist gain in confidence (backed by a cracking band!) and with her third and final number - The Three Bears - she was in her element! The trio concluded another successful afternoon of jazz at the Lit & Phil with Sweet Georgia Brown. The Virtuoso Jazz Trio can be heard again at the venue on the evening of Wednesday 7th May. The next lunchtime concert on Friday 9th May (1:00 pm) features Triptych (Paul Edis, piano, Paul Susans, bass and Rob Walker, drums).

Russell.