The Opening night “Jazz Voice” gala for the EFG London Jazz Festival opened with a real surprise – the new face of Veronica Swift. Though still burning with bebop scat lines, and impeccably in sync with the saxes in the challenging soli section, everything else about her performance, style and writing could not be more different from her 2021 album “This Bitter Earth”.
We were treated to two songs from her new self-titled album: “Closer” and “In The Moonlight”. “In The Moonlight” in the second half was by far the most successful. How courageous to take something as iconic as the Moonlight Sonata and turn it into a completely new work. Guy Barker’s arrangements really helped carry this off, with the full weight of the orchestra making this rendition even more impactful than that on the album itself.
This theme would continue, with each of the vocalists showcasing more of their vocal prowess and heart in the second set. Lucy Ann Daniels (photo above copyright Tatiana Gorilovsky) delivered a theatrical vocal over a challenging arrangement of “Obsession”, which felt a little harmonically confusing at times. Her rendition of “I’m Hip” in the second half was more successful, delivering a unique take, with a smoother, heavier and more soulful vocal than the iconic Blossom Dearie version.
British Canadian R&B artist IAMTHELIVING brought real energy into the room with his own composition “Rockin’ London City” from his new album released yesterday; “Nebra Sky”. This funk-laden feel-good track had most of the audience on their feet by its closing notes. Tony Momrelle, who closed out the first set with a rousing rendition of the soul classic “Knock on Wood”, really delivered with his classic R&B vocal on his own tune “Remember”.
Singer songwriter Kyra’s astonishing range was showcased in her original number “Grown” and the notoriously challenging “This Will Be” – runs and belting aplenty. Peter Edwards, musical director of “Nu Civilisation Orchestra” joined as a special guest conductor, delivering an interesting take on the classic “Don’t Let me Be Misunderstood”, written originally for Nina Simone. Jazz and Soul singer Cherise took on this number, impressing with very acrobatic vocals.
Alongside these many relative newcomers, the lineup featured Damien Lewis, Carmen Lundy and Marisa Monte. Damien Lewis surprised with polished performances from his thoughtful debut album “Mission Creep”. Carmen Lundy really came to life in a power-filled rendition of “Daughter of the Universe” – showcasing some truly breathtaking low notes. Marisa Monte was the real star of the evening, showing the reason behind her incredible record sales and multiple Latin Grammys. Both “Vilareju” and “Infinito Particular” were heartfelt and hauntingly beautiful, her crystal-clear tone soaring over the orchestra.
The evening ended with a medley of Motown tunes, prompting one neighbouring audience member to question if it’s really jazz if you’re being asked to jump out of your seat every other number – discuss. Regardless, this was a joyful evening filled to the brim with talent.
