Angels, peacocks and gypsy jazz…

In the midst of BBC interviews this week I managed to experience some wonderful folk and jazz music by some of the best musicians around. Tuesday evening was folk at the Tarc gallery in Stanford Bridge where I host live music once a month. For Burns night we were fortunate to have the delights of Ruth Angell and Sid Peacock play and sing for us. They both live up to their fantastic names.. Ruth sings and plays violin, guitar and harmonium like an angel, complimented by Sid’s witty irish repartee and impressive voice and guitar playing. Highlights were Sid’s version of Carrickfergus, and Ruth’s original composition of a Christina Rossetti poem ‘No Roses’. Not to forget the finale of a Burns song ‘My love is like a red red rose’. Hauntingly beautiful music. Rosemary did a wonderful haggis supper and everyone went home feeling elevated by the sounds of Angell Peacock.

Wednesday evening I was invited to be a guest singer with the Remi Harris trio and world renowned saxaphone player Alan Barnes at Pershore Jazz Club. More than 100 people were in attendance and it was great fun. I sang ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ ‘My heart belongs to Daddy’, ‘Can’t give you anything but love” and Autumn Leaves.. always a joy to sing with a full band, especially of this calibre. Listening to Remi and the band play new compositions was a real treat, and their instrumental version of ‘Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square’ was exquisite.. it was worth going to the concert for that alone.  Remi’s playing never fails to mesmerise any audience and together the band really swing!

Thanks to all these great musicians for your company, and to Maggie and Graham for the warm welcome to Pershore jazz club..
xx