Polly Parlourphone Trio @ the Prohibition Bar, Gateshead - February 3

Polly Parlourphone (vocal); Adam Sams (guitar); John Tilbury (bass guitar).
(Review by Lance).

Was I in Gateshead or was I in 1920's Chicago? On the south side, the New Century Ragtime Orchestra were entertaining the flappers at Caedmon Hall whilst over on the east side, in the Prohibition Bar, the top-hatted, skirtless Miss Polly Parlourphone tread the path pioneered by Ruth Etting, Annette Hanshaw, Helen Kane and Marlene  Dietrich. Indeed Frau Dietrich was the inspiration behind the outfit (film: The Blue Angel).

A rich contralto voice, Polly encapsulated the era to perfection with a choice selection of songs interpreted with much authenticity.

Lots of bo-boop-a-doing, theatrical gestures and pouting lips spread over 3  x 20-minute sets kept the audience captivated by her stage presence.

Ably assisted by Adam Sams on guitar and John Tilbury on Epiphone violin (viola?) Hofner style bass; two guys who did the business both solo-wise and in support, the evening just flew past.

First set: Hello my Baby; Why Don't You do Right?; I Wanna be Loved by You; Steam Rollin' Baby (I think); Don't be Like That.   

Second Set: Summertime (at last, an original take!); The Things I Love; Going Where the Cold Wind Blows; I Loves You Porgy; Lilli Marlene (I kid you not!)

Third Set: I Love my Baby; Falling in Love Again; They Can't Take That Away From me; Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen; Bella Ciao (Italian song sung in German!)

Encore: When You're Smiling.

The trio, who've been together for less than a year, are worth watching out for. Catch them when next they're in action (watch this space).

Lance.

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