I have heard Brigitte Beraha twice in the past few weeks, and can’t help feeling that there is something special going on: if such a thing as perfect singing exists, Brigitte Beraha, on her own terms, is surely getting even closer to it. Or perhaps more meaningfully, her individual, personal craft is reaching new heights.
A few weeks ago she was in a duo with Barry Green at a private house concert. To my ears that was all about being free. I was convinced that she has found a new level of melodic and intervallic sorcery and subtlety.
Last night she was in a very different duo with Ant Law. On the evidence of what we heard – it was quite unbelievable that this was the first time they had ever appeared together as a duo in public – was a step-up in sheer vocal presence and clarity and responsibility in a vocal line, brilliant ways of shaping phrases and making them truly speak and fly. I think she has stepped up and found a new level of assurance in this way as well. This was about certainty and rightness, and it was completely fulfilling and uplifting.
Yes…freedom…vocal presence… these are things which Brigitte Beraha does brilliantly, as her huge cohort of grateful students know in their hearts and sounds, but surely she is doing them EVEN better. All I hope is that more people will go – and tell me if am right (or if I am right). Last night deserved a better and bigger crowd.
It was also unusual to hear Ant Law playing in a context where he has to make so much of the weather and can play so gently. Whereas there are all kinds of guests on the album, this was just a duo concert. And what one hears in Ant Law’s work in this context is a total focus on compositional truth and beauty on a guitar that I think I have only ever heard from Ralph Towner.
This was a special occasion. Please can it be packed to the roof next time it happens. Work of this jaw-dropping quality deserves nothing less.
Future Live Dates
2 November Stamford Methodist Church PE9
10 November Stapleford Granary CB22
7 December Verdict, Brighton BN2
One Response
Where will Ant Law and Brigitte Beraha play?
Regard Telkom University