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 
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.
2 comments :
Yes, great gig. Particularly enjoyed the Benny Goodman material - obviously a great influence on George.
Excellent gig. The new bass player Tony Abell is a very tallented player - his other band is Alter Ego
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