Jo Harrop w. Paul Edis Trio @ The Cherry Tree Restaurant, Jesmond. June 3.

Jo Harrop (vcl); Paul Edis (pno); Mick Shoulder (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms). 

(Review by Lance/ photos courtesy of Kath Harrop).
It had been a while since I visited the Cherry Tree and even longer since I listened to Jo Harrop. During that interim period Jo's had 2 children - Ellington, now 4, and Valentine, 2.  Sadly, she also lost her father, Tony, last year which was remembered with Over the Rainbow tonight. An emotive rendition that got to me too as I recalled the times, often with Jim McDowell - also no longer with us - that we shared our love of jazz. RIP Tony and Jim.

There was a good turn out and Jo, superbly backed by Edis and Co, didn't disappoint although there were some volume problems early on. Not helped by a couple of tables that were less than attentive.

Jo, needless to say, rose above such distractions and her version of Fine and Mellow was as fine and mellow as my Lamb, burnt Aubergine puree, Pomegranate and Mint starter.
Jo's vocal starter was Cheek to Cheek followed by My Baby Just Cares For me; My Romance; Lullaby of Birdland; Moon River; Night and Day (drum solo by Adam); These Foolish Things (complete with 'tinkling piano') and Love me or Leave me - well we certainly weren't going to leave her and nor was I going to leave my 6oz Rump Steak, traditional garnish, Garlic and Herb Butter!

The second set moved up a gear it had to to compete with my Strawberry, Raspberry and Mint Pavlova!

East of the Sun; This Can't be Love (perhaps the second line should have been 'because it Tastes so good'!) a sensitive My Funny Valentine (ah so that's where the baby's name came from!); Bye Bye Blackbird (voice/bass intro and a block chord solo from Edis the icing on this cake) Autumn in New York; All the Things You Are; the emotive Over the Rainbow (bass solo !!!) and, finally, I Wish I Knew How it Felt to be Free.

I note that two of my three courses included Mint - a fitting description of the whole evening. Mint!

Lance.