aaamusic | On 17, Jul 2011

London, Tuesday 5^th July

This astonishing evening was a tribute to the inspirational women of jazz, blues, gospel and r&b. It was produced by Danny Kapilian.

Two years ago the same venue hosted an amazing meeting of three internationally acknowledged female singers of jazz & world music: Dianne Reeves, Angelique Kidjo and Lizz Wright who celebrated the soul gospel and jazz of legendary singer Nina Simone.

With this month’s celebration, the same three distinctive singers returned again, but also to acknowledge the many great women singers who changed the destiny of 20^th century music.

The trio were supported by Geri Allen on piano ,Rhodes Genus on bass, Romero Lubambo on guitar, Munyungo Jackson on percussion, and musical director Terri Lyne Carrington on drums.

Despite their contrasting styles, they united for a fascinating evening, individually showing great strengths and passions. Possibly all three are now at the height of their powers.

Reeves sang fine, classic jazz, Wright haunting folk and gospel and Kidjo energetic African soul that exhausted its eager audience.

Reeves ‘Freedom Dance’ was a magnificent highlight followed by rapturous applause and her version of  Emmylou Harris’s ‘All That You Have Is Your Soul’ built to an intense climax.

Kidjo excited with Miriam Makeba’s ‘Saduva’ and Tracy Chapman’s ‘Talkin’ About A Revolution’. Later she delighted the audience by dancing around the hall, microphone in hand, on ‘Africa’.

Wright’s version of Clara Ward’s ‘How I Got Over’ was clearly very personally moving to the artist herself.

All three demonstrated their brilliance on Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’ with very different and distinctive moods.

‘Sing The Truth’ continues as a tour throughout Europe and the U.S.A. until October.

 

 

Author: Anthony Weightman