Edana Minghella Quartet
Blue Valentines
The Pheasantry, London, U.K., February 11, 2018
Reviewed by Thanasis Kalantzis for Cabaret Scenes
Edana Minghella made it clear from the very beginning that this is a Blue Valentines show: so expect many heartache songs. I feared that that might translate to heartfelt ballad after heartbreaking ballad after now-let’s-all-slit-our-wrists ballad, but, as it was proven, that wasn’t the case at all. Sure, there were some slow songs, but she upped the tempo many times as she discussed the standard theme geared around February 14: love in its various forms.
The singer’s repertoire was diverse and very interesting as it brought together beautiful classics and contemporary “classics in the making.”
She started with a swing of “Day In, Day Out” (Rube Bloom/Johnny Mercer), continued in the same speed with “But Beautiful” (Johnny Burke/Jimmy Van Heusen), and flirted her way around the room with “Must Be Catchin’” (Ray Stanley). Then she gave us the innuendo-laden “A Little Sugar in My Bowl” (Clarence Williams/Tim Brymm/Dally Small), a waltz version of Tom Waits’ “Blue Valentines” with accordion accompaniment, and closed the first set with the heartbreaker to end all heartbreakers, “To Love Somebody” (Barry & Robin Gibb), during which she herself looked hypnotized, and so did the audience.
In her second set she sang “Come Rain or Come Shine” (Harold Arlen/Mercer), which started slowly and evolved to a nice finger-tapping rhythm, and the feel-good “I’m in Love Again” (Cy Coleman/Peggy Lee/Dave Cavanaugh [writing under the pseudonym of Bill Schluger]). She also offered a really nice and poignant rendition of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” (Carole King/Gerry Goffin), dedicating it to her late brother, Oscar winner Anthony Minghella. “You Must Believe in Spring” (Alan & Marilyn Bergman/Michel Legrand) followed (I suppose you have to leave it to the French to marry such a melancholic tempo with the most positive lyrics), and finished with “Down with Love” (Arlen/E.Y. “Yip” Harburg) with its sarcastic take on all things silly about love. As for her encore, she sang beautifully my personal favorite “Someone Like You” (Van Morrison).
Minghella is a singer at the zenith of her game with a seasoned career as a staple name in the UK and Europe’s many festivals and jazz clubs. In this show she offered an atmospheric and relaxing jazz environment for her fans who had packed the venue and responded with immense appreciation to her every song. Furthermore, the singer has her individual way of presentation, with her body language participating to every precise note that comes out of her voicebox. On the other hand, I would have welcomed a better organized chat. Also, sometimes her voice was far behind the music that was coming from the band.
All in all, this is a not-to-be-missed act for jazz lovers or anyone who enjoys a good night out.
Special mention needs to go to her band of three: Mark Edwards on piano and accordion; Lee Goodall on alto sax and percussion; and Pete Mayfield on double bass. Each of their solos transferred us straight to the core of the song. Amazing work!
