Jo Harrop (vcl); Paul Edis (pno); Neil Harland (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms) + Joel McCullough (gtr).
(Review by Lance).
Jo's not infrequent visits are always welcomed by this particular reviewer and, after last night's transport problems, I was delighted to get there tonight (Thursday) without any hitches.
My biggest worry was that the fireworks that were making the country seem like a warzone might overpower the vocals. I needn't have worried, a small section of the audience drowned out the fireworks!
Nevertheless, it didn't spoil my enjoyment - I just moved my audio senses into a higher gear. My video senses were already close to melting point.
The trio kicked things off with How Insensitive. I don't know if this was a subtle barb at a certain table but, if it was, it flew over their heads! All three were in fine form.
Jo opened up with East of the Sun followed by a tongue twisting Love me or Leave me and an emotive Autumn in New York.
My starter was Crispy Hens Egg, Celeriac and Bacon. Jo was singing The Man I Love, I was singing The Hen I Love! - I hope the birth was straight forward with no complications! I've Got the World on a String had no complications either - straight down the middle. From This Moment on was the moment I decided that, from this moment on, nothing could compare with listening to Jo and the Edis trio whilst dining on a 6oz Rump Steak, traditional garnish, Fries, Marmite Butter and a dash of English mustard; and washed down with a flagon of Black Sheep Ale. I'm a Fool to Want You, Alone Together and Fine and Mellow brought the set to a close.
The second set moved up a notch and I don't just mean the Pear Frangipane but the addition to the ensemble of Joel McCullough on guitar. The [now] quartet played Tadd Dameron's Ladybird and, to quote another Tadd tune it was our delight!
To make things even better the yackety yackers left and we could now truly appreciate the artistry of the performers.I Can't Give You Anything but Love; Let's Face the Music and Dance; Sophisticated Lady; This Can't be Love; It's Alright with me; You Must Believe in Spring; Too Close for Comfort; Just One of those Things and Over the Rainbow brought a superb evening to a close.
Catch Jo and Paul at Gala Theatre today (Friday) lunchtime and in the evening at the Jazz Café
Lance.
PS: Why does Adam have A.J Thompson on the front of his [drum] kit?
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