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| © Patti |
Swing singers are a dying breed - good ones that is, there are plenty of the other variety. Fortunately, Paul Skerritt is far removed from that 'other variety' as the Lit & Phil audience discovered to their delight this sunny afternoon.
Opening up with Don't Get Around Much Anymore he hit the deck running. The voice, the stagecraft and cool phrasing were all there. As well as the voice, I also judge a singer by what he does with his hands and our boy scored in that department.
There's a line in The Way You Look Tonight that always grabs me: Keep that breathless charm could almost describe a Skerritt vocal!
A move away from the GASbook for Sam Sparro's Black and Gold with a compelling accompaniment by Jamie Watkins on bass guitar.
King Cole's Straighten up and Fly Right swung along nicely but Have You Met Miss Jones? didn't. However, after a confused start it all came out in the wash.
Back on even keel with a rather beautiful version of Moon River and a swinging It Don't Mean a Thing (if it Ain't Got That Swing). It certainly had 'that swing' and Watkins and Bradford had solos to prove it.
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| © Patti |
Misty, the Errol Garner classic is a favourite with singers, pianists and listeners alike. By the most amazing of coincidences I just happened to have a book based on the film Play Misty For me in my pocket! It's a great film and, thanks to Paul, a great song.
It's Only a Paper Moon had an excellent drum solo. Unlike most drum solos you could actually equate it with the tune. Well done John B.
Paul Skerritt is a big Tony Bennett fan and his emotive rendition of I Left my Heart in San Francisco drew the afternoon's biggest round of applause.
The show finished with that good old good one Cheek to Cheek and, as I headed homeward bound, I broke into a few Fred Astaire moves I'd mastered (more lies).
You can also catch Paul at the Glasshouse (nee Sage) on April 25. This time he's with his 17 piece big band - not to be missed! Lance
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