(Review/photos by Ken Drew)
The second in JNE’s Women Make Music series for 2016 performed at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle, on International Women’s Day featured three bands.
Motherese - Aby Vulliamy (v); Laura Cole (p); Maria Jardardottir (voice)
A set comprising all-original music written for this Women Make Music performance (with an eye on taking it on tour I’d imagine). Starting with ‘JFDI’ an expressive piece which although having quite a bouncy rhythm, had many lyrical sections, along with appropriate outbursts which conveyed the meaning of the title. An excellent start by the trio, all on form from the start.
Second tune was by Laura (with assistance from others at home apparently). A dramatic format from the piano providing a background to the random interjection of words. This piece came together very well, leaving a strong impression but with some eerie sounds too, leading to a quite intense section with Laura leading on the piano, then more vocalese culminating with a simple piano finale. Quite an epic piece all round, making good use of the acoustic properties of the Grand piano.
Then a short improvised piece by all the women performers of the night ‘Unfinished Sentences’. Speaks for itself - a reflection of the domestic environment!
Back to the trio, a folksy intro (really? Yes it was) sang in perfect 3-part harmony. Very lyrical with clear vocals segueing into an improvised section then back to the simple but lyrical 3-part harmony. Quite an extended complex piece, and well received!
Continuing with ‘Oops Dolores’ selected by the audience who took the offer of a ‘challenging’ piece from Aby. Introduction by Aby providing a strong staccato riff on violin, then with vocal and piano accompaniment – part scored and part improvised.
And finally time for a concluding piece. The intro was a simple canon (3 part harmony again) then over to the piano for the full introduction. Again, Laura really made use of the Grand – producing a beautiful sound both masterful and near-anthemic. The song was about ‘endings’ and ‘starting something new’, itself ending with the simplicity of the vocal harmony.
A great set, warmly received and much appreciated by the audience.
This was preceded by Jennifer Parry with her experimental interactive Multi-Media performance. The scene was set – a covered but self-illuminated figure knelt in front of the video screens, two displaying a journey along a railway line, the third a serene seaside beach scene. The accompanying sound a mix of distant rain forests and its noisy inhabitants, overlaid with throbbing rhythms and vaguely tuneful riffs – ok, it’s a layered soundscape with an occasional voice repeating ‘Is this Real?’. The figure rises, and slowly interacts with chosen members of the audience, whispering to each, and passing a ‘gift’ then moving on. The music builds in intensity until finally the throbbing fades leaving only the sounds of the distant rain forest. The final question remains – ‘Is this Real?. The audience reflects on the 15-minute performance, then applauses enthusiastically. Well, it makes you think!
The evening began with The Zoe Gilby Trio Zoe Gilby (vocals); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (bass) with her own compositions, including new material for this performance.
Starting with ‘Breathing’, from her solo loop project, a very slow and sultry rendition with very clear vocals perfectly matching the acoustic setting of the Lit & Phil. Then a short segue of vocalese and ethereal guitar sounds into ‘Believe’ (surely this is self-penned?). Captivating!!! Vocals sitting perfectly above the bass and guitar which provide a subtle but discernible vehicle for the vocals to ride on. Yes - it was self-penned. Nice one!!
Next, a cover version from a Peter Gabriel album (Scratch) ‘Mother of Violence’. Again clear vocals above the bass (bowed) and guitar. The final song was an extended version of ‘Red City’ starting with a seque-type introduction, setting the scene of the streets of Marrakech including the sounds of the street and distant wailings. Then into the song proper, at a wonderfully laid back pace, then the outro. An absolute Class performance!! This should be released as an EP, and then nominated for a Mercury Prize.
Overall, a superb acoustic performance by the trio, matching perfectly the acoustics of the Lit & Phil and the celebration of Women in Music. With Zoe providing a variety of musical styles and constantly stretching out and pushing herself to find new bounds. And it works!!
Ken Drew
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