Zoë Gilby
(vocals); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (bass); John Bradford (drums)
Newcastle based
vocalist, Zoë Gilby and her trio presented an eclectic blend of song and
improvisation at the Gregson Centre in Lancaster on Sunday June 14.
Gilby’s remarkable versatility as an
interpreter of classic song, improviser and lyricist along with provider of
detailed verbal forays to the audience was as impressive as it was informative.
What was of particular interest to this listener was Gilby’s inclusion of four songs co-written by herself (lyrics) and American trumpeter, Tom Harrell (composer). Titles like Shadowed in Solitude, Forget the Past, Ebb and Flow and Leap to the Limelight might give the listener a sense of the depth and introspection of the lyric. This, coupled with the similar and supportive melodic and harmonic shapes of Harrell’s tunes resulted in deeply heartfelt and uniquely memorable collaborations between Gilby and Harrell.
The trio boasted
the talents of Zoë’s husband, bassist, Andy Champion’s rock solid pulsations on
the swing, Latin and related eclectic grooves which were equally matched with
his enthusiastically melodic solos and effusive brio throughout.
John Bradford’s
drums were a testimonial in time and sensitivity in what could have been a
difficult sound arena for percussion
instruments. His brushwork on the up-tempo samba Forget the Past was just the job not only in guiding the ship but
on his effective solo fills and excursions as well.
Irish born
guitarist, Mark Williams’ solos and accompanying were refreshing with his dark
rounded tone coupled with smooth and evenly
articulated lengthy melodic phrases.
The delightfully
bespoke programme covered a wide swathe of repertoire. Songs by composers such
as Monk, Waits, Ellington and Carl Fischer (You’ve
Changed) along with a rarely heard
1960s Nancy Wilson gem entitled May I Come
In. Something for everyone, for sure.
Mucho plaudits to
the fine team of Paul Froggat, Ben McCabe and Stephen Kerfoot, et al, of Bookends
Jazz at the Gregson Centre in Lancaster. A welcome and necessary addition to jazz
in the NW of the UK. Frank Griffith
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