There's an intimacy about the Ticket Office, hidden away on Whitley Bay Metro station, that is quite unique outside of Montmartre or Pigalle. Even on a sunny afternoon the feeling is that of a late night bar - an atmosphere that was enhanced by Alan and Julija.
The Lithuanian vocalist, now based in the northeast, held the audience in the palm of her hand. Opening with Misty we sat spellbound. Take the A Train happily coincided with the arrival of a Metro heading for St. James. The Girl From Ipanema had me wondering if she ever hit the local beach. JJ sang in Portuguese (or was it Lithuanian?). Norah Jones' Don't Know Why was spinetingingly magnetic. Bill Withers. Ain't no Sunshine oozed emotion gradually building up to a grandstand finish.
All of Me was rather special, not just the tempo change or the call and response audience participation during her scat chorus but because she kindly gave a shout out to BSH. The Zutons' Valerie was followed By I Got Rhythm and a break to top up the 'bucket on the bar'. Nobody reneged.
The second set comprised: Autumn Leaves; Mood Indigo; This Masquerade (Julija made a credible trumpet sound without moving her lips!); A funky version of Stormy Weather; Adele's Make You Feel my Love; Cheek to Cheek; There Will Never be Another You finishing off with more Jobim - Wave.
Special mention of Alan Law whose accompaniment was peerless. Alan organises these Tuesday afternoon duo gigs. Next week it's trumpet/vocalist Pete Tanton.
Well worth taking a train to Whitley Bay. Lance
1 comment :
I'm happy for you, Julija!
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