THE NICOLA FARNON TRIO, with Nicola herself on vocals and double bass, Richard Wetherall (piano) and Phil Johnson (drums) gave us a memorable interpretation of the Great American Songbook at our monthly ‘Jazz at the Junction’ session at High Peak Bookstore & Cafe on Wednesday 17th September; including a few of Nicolas’ own compositions, none suffering by comparison with the ‘classics’ in the repertoire.
Nicola has the vocal range and improvisational flair possessed by the very finest established jazz vocalists, and to compare her favourably with such fine performers as Peggy Lee or Anita O’Day is no exaggeration. Her vocal prowess should not however overshadow her contribution on the double bass, her harmonic and counter-melodic rapport with Richard on piano and Phil on drums contributing greatly to the overall performance.
Richard Wetherall is an extremely accomplished pianist in his own right, and in addition to his supporting role as a very empathetic accompanist to Nicola Farnon’s vocal performance, his solo contributions added considerably to the evening’s entertainment. We are lucky indeed to have featured two such eminent British Jazz pianists this year at our sessions; another occasional accompanist of Nicolas’ in David Newton, appearing with us in April with Alan Barnes.
Phil Johnson on drums was the epitome of the unobtrusive, yet technically proficient and sympathetic, rhythmic element within the trio, his timing and crispness of execution being an essential contribution to the cohesiveness of the ensemble.
Another, very near, full house attendance for us this year, and myself and Jonathan Rowlands extend our thanks to you, our regular attendees, for your loyalty to our ‘Jazz at the Junction’ sessions.