Fans of top quality vocals were fully pleased, impressed and satisfied at the closing show of the fourth annual Southport Jazz Festival on Sunday, Feb. 1 at the spacious and well appointed Grand Hotel. The multifaceted vocalist, Claire Martin delivered a two hour concert of a winning and eclectic mix of jazz, classic standards and 1970s' pop songs.
The trio of pianist, Nikki Iles, saxophonist/clarinettist, Karen Sharp and Ewan Hastie’s bass accompanied her with sensitivity and aplomb in equal measure. The slightly unconventional absence of a percussionist was more than made up for with Hastie’s driving bass along with Iles’ relentless rhythmic fluidity of comping and fills. Sharp’s seamless verve in her swinging melodic solos, scored highly in lifting the bar of intensity and depth to engage the audience throughout.
Jazz pianist, Kenny Barron’s Sunshower brought about a welcome change of feel and tempo to the
proceedings. Its gentle Latin feel suited the lyrics of the late
vocalist/lyricist, Tina May, wonderfully. Veterans of an earlier incarnation of
Southport Jazz might remember Tina’s performance in 2020 at the nearby Clifton
Hotel which Martin made mention of as a tribute to her good friend and
colleague, Ms May, who sadly passed away in March 2022.
Kurt Weill’s Speak
Low featured a nifty arrangement with a back and forth exchange between
Martin and Sharp’s bass clarinet. Her fluidity and ease on the instrument was
clearly evident on her deft improvisational outing in this classic standard of
American stage and screen.
Ivan Lins’ Love
Dance was a truly blissful entry with its suspenseful melody gently cooed by
Martin over the rich yet subtle moving harmonies shaped with Iles’ eloquent and
elegant touch.
Martin’s stage presence is enhanced by her gently rollicking, swinging gait across the stage. A unity of forces that puts the audience at ease both visually and audially.
All in all a splendiferous night of jazz and song was
had by all present. As usual, full plaudits to the organisers, Jez Murphy, Emma
Holcroft and Cliff Ray along with the able team of volunteers - the
“Southimportants” if you will - keeping all matters festival flowing smoothly. One can
only look forward to the 5th year bash in January 2027. Bring it on! Frank Griffith
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