The Esther Bennett Trio @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church - Sept. 11

Esther Bennett (vocals); Rick Laughlin (keyboards); Mick Shoulder (double bass)

A first visit to the region for London-based Esther Bennett. An established voice on the capital's jazz scene, Ms Bennett's trip 'up north' took in a Wednesday evening gig at Seven Arts, Leeds, then this Friday lunchtime Bishop Auckland Jazz engagement. 

Meeting Rick Laughlin and Mick Shoulder for the first time, prior to the one o'clock start, Ms Bennett was happy to chat to all and sundry. Let's call that a good start to the day! Working without a drummer, Bennett, Laughlin (keyboards) and Shoulder (double bass) opened with Wayne Shorter's Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum. Bennett informed her audience that Patricia Beysens' lyrics to Shorter's composition inspired her to add the number to her pad. An interesting start to the afternoon. 

Angel Eyes, Rio De Janeiro Blue (as sung by Randy Crawford), I Thought About You, a heart-wrenching Don't Explain, Bennett mixed it up to great affect. And, of course, it didn't do any harm having two first class musicians on hand. It's one of the wonders of jazz that a guest musician can meet up with other musicians for the first time and, minutes later, somehow, it works. This afternoon was one such occasion.

Ms Bennett singing Mark Murphy's lyrics to Oliver Nelson's Stolen Moments proved to be a highlight. Did the late Dave Weisser sing this one? It rang a bell. Whatever, it was good to hear Esther Bennett's vocal interpretation of the classic composition. You Go to My Head and You've Changed heard Bennett at her fragile best, living each and every word.

Bennett said she had enjoyed herself, the audience enjoyed listening to her sing. To close, Esther, Rick and Mick (the ideal accompanists) went out on Blue Monk. Russell