Anita Wardell (vcl); Robin Aspland (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Tristan Maillot (dms).
(Review by Lance).
The old adage that "Those that can do and those that can't teach" didn't apply here. Ms. Wardell does both better than anyone around, as any of the students who attended this weekend's jazz vocal course at the Globe will attest to. Indeed, if only 50% of her talent rubs off on those aspiring singers some of the more established names will soon be looking over their shoulders.
The Jazz Coop's HQ was understandably crowded although it has to be said that, with a couple of exceptions, the north-east 'jazz faithful' were prominent by their absence.
Cathedral bells were tolling and our hearts sang on/Was it the spell of Paris or the April dawn?/Who knows if we shall meet again/But when the morning chimes ring sweet again...
A verse I didn't recognise but the chorus I certainly did. I'll Be Seeing You. However, this was no Vera Lynn (bless her!) version but more Ella meets Betty Carter with a scat solo any horn player would be proud of -providing their fingers could move fast enough. Talking fingers - what piano playing from Robin Aspland! Is he the most underrated 88er in the UK? Undoubtedly!
Oscar Pettiford's Tricotism saw more vocal dynamics, Aspland again outstanding, Grainger still in the game and Maillot's brushwork exemplary.
Ballad time. Young and Foolish. Why are the wannabees still singing Summertime and Funny Valentine when there are songs like this around? Wardell takes it to places where Edmund Hockridge would fear to tread, The phrasing, the choice, yet unexpected, intervals that the lady incorporates is further proof that we're in the presence of someone special.
Willow Weep For Me (Maillot on mallets); Jobim's Dreamer led to By the Light of the Silvery Moon which segued into What a Little Moonlight Can Do with more amazing scatting that left everyone breathless.
Time to top up the Gold Tankard. An appropriate beverage. On a night like this, silver or bronze was out of the question!
The second set opened up with All God's Chillun Got Rhythm, well maybe not all of 'em but certainly the four on stage have it in abundance! I've Never Been in Love Before. Then an emotive Some Other Time with just voice and piano. Anita dedicated this to Angela Elliott. She didn't elaborate and I wondered, sadly, if this was the Angela E who wrote for the blog in our early days? Angela lived in London, sang jazz and was also a published author. I hope not. (It wasn't!)
The Jon Hendricks lyric to Don't Getz Scared brought Annie Ross to mind and Oleo saw the night out. I should have left earlier but no way could I miss this, so taxi was ordered!
Lance
1 comment :
A spot on review Lance. Couldn't agree more with what you say. My favourite although hard to chose was Young and Foolish - brought tears to my eyes - so much emotion in Anita's voice.
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