The Music of Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald show at Hideaway played to a sold out audience who all seemed to appreciate the fine musicianship and vocals on Saturday night.
I confess that I grew up in ignorance of the music of both Sarah and Ella, vaguely remembering only Sarah Vaughan’s duet with Billy Eckstein ‘Passing Strangers’ which was a top 40 hit in the 60’s. However as my interest in pre 60’s music has gown (in the last few years), I have become more aware of both of these ladies place in musical history.
What drew me to Hideaway on Saturday was the presence of Janette Mason who has been musical director and played piano at a number of outstanding Hideaway shows and of Vimala Rowe whose fantastic vocals were a stand out in Alex Webb’s ‘Café Society Swing’. Juliet Roberts came with an outstanding reputation and I was intrigued to see just how good she was.
I was not familiar with many of the songs, even less so with their titles, however I enjoyed the evening. There were two sets, the first lasted about an hour and the second an hour and a quarter. Each vocalist sang solo for half the set, joining for one or two duets. Both Juliet and Vimala were outstanding vocalists. Juliet showed her sense of humour and kept the audience on their toes, pouncing on one unsuspecting audience member who was filming one of the songs and getting the audience to join in on one of her songs.
The band consisting of Janette Mason on piano and a drummer, bass player, sax player and trumpeter were excellent. The whole experience was very enjoyable.
I will not be rushing to listen to Ella and Sarah’s catalogues but would certainly attend any show featuring Janette, Vimala or Juliet.
Johns London Music Reviews 