Review: Errol Linton + Kate Shortt

 

Jazz has often been a rich vein for comedy but more often than not, the comedy finds its target by poking fun at the cliches of the genre and its pretensions. Tonight's support act, the marvellous Kate Shortt, did the opposite, treating the jazz with immense affection and letting the funny flow through character, witty observation and a confident rapport with the audience.

Her main instrument was the cello which she played in all sorts of weird and bendy fashions, not just bowing and plucking but bashing the wood to create percussive sounds as well. She made extensive use of looping which allowed her to layer up the sound and create rich musical tracks in front of our very eyes. She even did an improvised song with suggestions from the audience which made me think of a game from Whose Line Is It Anyway. Somebody shouted out Marmite (which she loved), another person sardines, and finally somebody shouted Snickers from the very back. All of them ended up in her song in perfect rhythm and harmony, and with tongue firmly in cheek.

Shortt was really clear in her diction which was important because her comedy jazz songs relied not just on musical references and quotes but also on clever lyrics which took jazz into previously unexplored terrain including broken down cars, the challenges of the menopause and Arts Council funding for songwriting workshops in primary schools where the kids are taught the hallucinogenic delights of magic mushrooms.

A highlight was her self confessed moment of indulgence: a sweet and scat-heavy rendition of Dream A Little Dream Of Me. The entire set was an unexpected delight.

Next up was Errol Linton and his blues band, a show which completely sold out weeks in advance. This Brixton born harmonica player now has the reputation of being Britain's foremost Bluesman, having started out busking on the London Underground he now plays to appreciative packed houses internationally.

The prevailing mood of his set was pure, unadulterated fun. He, the band, the whole room lost track of time as we bounced from one great blues number to the next. Linton switched from harmonica to vocals and back as if they were one and the same action. Gary Williams on drums and Lance Rose on double bass kept the beat heavy and thumping. Petar Zivkovic on piano provided colour and mood, especially when giving New Orleans swing, and Richey Green on guitar strutted and preened his way through soaring solos like a rock star. Highlights included Stressed Out, Around the World, The Boogie Disease and perennial classic Ain’t Nobody's Business If I Do. Top notch blues played with love for a highly appreciative crowd.