Rebecca Poole - Pizza Express, Dean Street, London, 2/8/2034

  by Zena Grieg

published: 29 / 10 / 2024

intro

Zena Greig watches jazz-influenced singer Rebecca Poole provide an exhilarating musical ride at a gig in London.

Since Rebecca Poole appeared on the music scene, previously under the name ‘Purdy’, she has come to the attention of key celebrities and figures in the music world, being flown out by Richard Branson to his private island Necker, opening for Lana Del Rey in 2015; going to Zermatt to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Abba’s Frida (Anni-Frid Synni Lyngstad); as well as performing by special request in front of a host of other famous musicians; and sitting for several portraits by the renowned artist Jack Vettriano. Her three released albums have met with critical acclaim, most recently ‘Dreamers Ball’, with numerous singles receiving the accolade of ‘Record of the week’ from popular radio stations. A regular at the iconic 606 Club in Chelsea and other jazz venues in London and across the country, no surprise then to see her appear for a one-night, sold-out event at another classic jazz venue, Pizza Express, Dean Street, London. Assured and compelling, Poole sang a mix of her own songs and some classic covers by key influences in her career including Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield, the music a blend of classic jazz with contemporary overtones. Performing with a newly-assembled, four-piece band for the first time that night (Mark Edwards on piano, Matt Skelton on drums, Oz Dechaine on bass and Stuart Henderson on trumpet), Poole was exuberant in her delivery, demonstrating an impressive vocal range and a warm and engaging rapport with an appreciative and attentive audience from across all ages, many of whom appeared to be loyal fans already. Highlights of the evening included: the spirited opener and title track of Poole’s third album, ‘Dreamers Ball’; ‘Can’t Help Loving That Man Of Mine’, a song she said “helped inspire her writing as well”, which showcased her mellifluous voice; a vibrant rendition of the upbeat ‘Live For The Moment’, with a cascading piano and virtuoso solo trumpet accompaniment; another track from her latest album, ‘Blue Eyes’, carried by Poole’s soaring, sultry vocals; a powerful, emotive interpretation of ‘The Real Thing’, also from the ‘Dreamers Ball ' album; a song inspired by her partner’s words, the effervescent/sparkling 'Take It Easy' a song which featured prominently on Jazz FM and Smooth Jazz playlists, on which Poole invited the audience to sing along; ‘Clouded Moon’, demonstrating Poole’s consummate ability to hold a room; a sparkling duet with Anderson on ‘There You Were’; the resounding, harmonious ‘Wouldn’t Change A Thing’, described by Poole as about “getting to a good place in life”; a vivacious version of the Dusty Springfield hit ‘Spooky’ with some atmospheric backing by the band; and a mellow, crowd-pleasing encore closer ‘End Of The Show’ from Poole’s debut album. This was a confident, flawless performance throughout, the result a highly entertaining evening, leaving the audience wanting more. Setlist Dreamers Ball Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man Live for the Moment My Baby Just Cares For Me Blue Eyes Dance Me To The End Of Love The Real Thing Comes Love Take It Easy Interval Bye Bye Blackbird Clouded Moon There You Were Wouldn’t Change A Thing ‘Deed I Do You Make Me Happy Spooky Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (referencing Poole’s appearance in Netflix’s ‘The Crown’) Encore End of the Show

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