Sir Louis, Lichfield Jazz, Cathedral Hotel - review
Everyone loves a good singer - and the popularity of jazz singers seems to be growing strongly across the general public
At international festivals, star singers - whether pure jazz or soulful - tend to dominate the programmes, from Corinne Bailey Rae at the recent Cheltenham Jazz Festival, to Samara Joy at many festivals across Europe.
There are also some excellent singers on the Staffordshire and West Midlands scene - two examples being Lydia Rae and Sir Louis, both artists now best known without their surnames.
Both have won great acclaim in Lichfield from appearances at The Hub at St Mary’s arts centre, and on May 20 Sir Louis delighted the fans at the city’s Cathedral Hotel in a show for Lichfield Jazz.
Backed by guitarist Tom Morgan, keyboard player Bill Hayes and drummer Tash Buxton, he explored a wide range of jazz, pop and soul repertoire, opening with Carole King’s You’ve Got A Friend and continuing with fine versions of swing era songs: Blue Moon - with a lovely lyrical introduction by guitarist Morgan - and a very original ska-beat version of I’m In the Mood for Love.
The show song On The Sunny Side Of The Street included a splendidly precise and gentle ‘pitter-patter’ cymbal introduction to what developed into a fiery drum solo by Buxton - such original thinking is rare in jazz, and much to be welcomed.
Soul songs splendidly sung by Sir Louis included You Are The Sunshine Of My Life and My Cherie Amour, both by Stevie Wonder.
But to my ears the highlight of the show was a powerful, heartfelt version of a song written by one of Sir Louis’s heroes, singer Gregory Porter: Hey Laura.
The depth of pathos in the lyrics was rather wonderfully explored. Sir Louis, with guitarist Morgan, returns to Lichfield this Sunday (June 7) where he will appear at The Hub At St Mary’s arts centre as part of the new Jazz Weekender festival.
Buxton also features in the festival on Friday (June 5), when she appears with keyboard player Dino Baptiste. Hayes is in the festival with trumpeter Ray Butcher at the Quill and Scholar Pub, also on Friday.
The festival runs from Thursday to Sunday.
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