Jo Harrop (vocals) & Paul Edis (piano)
(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Mike Tilley).
Eagerly anticipated, a fourth engagement in three days
in the region, Jo Harrop arrived at the Jazz Café in good time despite a
late-running train. Pianist Paul Edis arrived on foot, walking to work, as it
were. A lunchtime appearance at the Gala Theatre had drawn a full house, this
Newcastle date promised to be the perfect conclusion to Harrop’s flying visit.
This Can’t Be Love, Love Me
or Leave Me, East of the Sun, Harrop began in fine
style. A Friday night crowd can be less than attentive but not on this
occasion. Vocalist Jo Harrop held the audience in the palm of her hand from the
first note, a sign that we were listening to something special. Paul Edis’
frequent Jazz Café appearances invariably elicit a similar response from
patrons. A wonderful Autumn in New York,
a snap-of-the-fingers take on a familiar number – Bye Bye Blackbird – featured a playful Edis at his best, and It’s Alright with Me made your reviewer’s
notebook. All were excellent – it was one of those nights.
Billie Holiday numbers (a fabulous I’m a Fool to Want You), Anita O’Day
referenced – it was one of those nights! Harrop sang I’ve Got the World on a String (starting here in the Jazz Café,
tomorrow the world!). An interval chat with a Lincolnshire couple who have only
recently moved to the north east (one of them a musician) indicated they were
more than impressed. They’ll be back.
I Can’t Give You Anything But
Love (Edis’ left hand
pattern), Sophisticated Lady (she is)
and a requested Summertime. The
latter could/should be on the ‘oh, not again’ banned list of tunes. Well,
anytime Ms Harrop chooses to sing it is absolutely fine. One word went in to
the notebook…Wow! Some Nina Simone and Billy Taylor’s I Wish I Knew…the Jazz Café’s regulars
were being spoiled rotten, the new faces couldn’t believe the quality. You Must Believe in Spring concluded the
set. This was another ***** star evening at the Jazz Café.
Russell
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