The unusually prolonged dreich weather this winter may have dampened the general spirits somewhat, so tonight’s dazzling jazz programming was particularly cheering. As part of this month’s inaugural Scottish Jazz Weekend, Edinburgh’s The Jazz Bar hosted a truly lovely evening of two of the UK’s finest jazz singers: Scot, Louise Dodds, followed by England’s Norma Winstone.
Local singer and composer Dodds presented a seven-song set – her trademark mix of Standards and self-penned – delivered with great expressiveness and clarity, together with helpful explanations of each song, to an appreciative full-house audience. Piano accompaniment by Aberdonian Steve Hamilton was exemplary.
Top billing however naturally went to long-time star of the jazz lounge, Winstone, who presented two sets of Standards. The singing was exquisite – technically flawless, with superb diction and an interestingly powerful command over the audience. We seemed to be drawn deep inside each song. Accompanied by similarly top-flight musicians: omnipresent keysman Kit Downes (of Vyamanikal and other bands) and guitarist Mike Walker (of The Impossible Gentlemen and others) the sense was of an accomplished trio rather than a vocalist with accompanists.
Sadly, due to circumstances beyond my control I was unable to remain for the second set, but if the first set was anything to go by, this whole concert will have been a vocal jazz highlight of the season. Winstone had noted at the outset that this was her first time back in Edinburgh for a very long time, so let’s hope the very warm welcome she received encourages another visit soon.
Would love to hear her here in the States, Northern California/SF Bay Area to be exact. SHe’s masterful and with all the COVID junk spiraling around, it would provide a great spirit of energy and warmth. Sadly, the bug is with us, and it will need to be another time; wishing her well, and appreciating my fond memories of Scotland: the intelligence and good nature of the folks we met there last year. Rob, Benicia CA. Stay safe, compassionate and stay well!