(Review by Lance).
This was a Tale of Two Trios. Two vocalists, two guitarists, two venues within walking distance of each other and, had our local Metro system being operating as efficiently as its Parisian equivalent, I may have managed a set at both - in a perfect world...
Nevertheless, my decision to opt for the Jazz Coop HQ wasn't a one I regretted. Debra Milne has to be given her due, not just for her individual vocal style but also for her songs and lyrics some of which are worthy of GASbook recognition (am I right in thinking that by some genealogical thing Debs is now an American?) Certainly, Don't Come Around Here Anymore is pure AABA - and I don't mean ABBA!
It's a tight compact unit. Steve Glendinning provides the spark as well as some of the writing.
I love her Most People, a song she said she composed after Trump was elected as President. Although, in fairness, it has to be said that it could probably be applied to everyone who has ever stood for office be it your local parish counsellor or George Washington who, famously, once said, "I cannot tell a lie" - which was his first one.
Back to the music. Apart from the originals, Debra sang the Jon Hendricks' version of Corcovado and Sting's Consider Me Gone which featured Mike Clark's only solo of the set. If you're a bass guitarist and you're going to do it - do it on a number by Gordon Sumner.
Interval time and I, regretfully, had to leave but it was good to see so many in the upper room. Debra informed me that they had some new material for the second set which, I'm afraid, will be for another day (collage left courtesy of Ken Drew - individual photos from Ken here.)
Next Sunday is a big one at the venue! JazzMain, the outstanding hard bop quartet from Edinburgh led by tenor saxist Nick Gould, are returning to The Globe - all bets are off, this is the only game in town!
Lance.
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