Nicola Farnon Trio @ Gala Theatre, Durham - April 14

Nicola Farnon (double bass & vocals), Paul Edis (piano) & Russ Morgan (drums)

(Review by Russell/photos courtesy of Brian Ebbatson)

Good Friday. The Gala Theatre. ‘House full’ signs. What’s new? Monthly lunchtime jazz sessions at the Gala Theatre sell-out in advance, it’s been that way for several months. Some people know a good thing when they hear it and book ahead. May, June, July and August are booking now, so, don’t hesitate. Today’s concert sold out weeks ago. Nicola Farnon arrived from her Sheffield base, said hello to Paul Edis and Russ Morgan – they were meeting for the first time – and proceeded to bring the house down.

Ms Farnon is everything a performer should be; accomplished, communicative and effervescent. A GASbook devotee, the Wiltshire born singing double bass player writes her own material and gives it 100%, winning new fans wherever she goes. Today’s programme – The trio will play a selection of tunes from the following…- couldn’t have been bettered. Meeting pianist Paul Edis and drummer Russ Morgan for the first time, Farnon could be forgiven for wondering what was in store. Those in the know – Gala regulars – knew that this gig would work and it did, big style! The Way You Look Tonight, On the Street Where You Live, tunes demanding the utmost sensitivity, Ms Farnon could scarcely believe her ears – Messrs Edis and Morgan were A listers! On a bright, if not sunny Friday afternoon, Farnon sang Moonlight in Vermont, told us about her Fever, yearning to dance Cheek to Cheek.

One Note Samba – the one with a million notes, all of them played in the right order – drew a huge round of applause, as did all of the tunes in the one hour set. Farnon’s bass playing is straight out of the ‘It don’t mean a thing’ bag, her expressive voice a delight. Your reviewer expressed delight at Farnon’s inclusion of Perfect Loverly Day, the Wiltshire burr evident in the composer’s ‘loverly’ lyric. A perfectly loverly day out in Durham.

The Gala lunchtime series continues next month with an appearance by the superb guitar duo of Mark Williams and Joel Byrne-McCullough. Master guitarists, life-long friends, Mark and Joel will play a selection of standards and an original composition or two. The date: Friday 26 May, 1:00pm. Admission £5.00. Book now or miss out. Telephone: 03000 266 600.         

Russell.