February 14th, Karin Plato, Jennifer Scott, Kate Hammett-Vaughan at Kay Meek Centre Studio Theatre, West Vancouver, Canada (WinterSong Festival)
On
Valentine’s Day, three of
Vancouver’s
best songbirds provided a West Vancouver audience with a fun and entertaining
evening. Jennifer Scott, Kate Hammett-Vaughan and Karin Plato, backed by some
superlative musicianship from bassist Rene Worst, drummer Tom Foster and
pianist Chris Sigerson, performed solos, two part harmonies, three and three
part harmonies. There were jazz standards and there were original
compositions, but most of all, there was some very good music presented.
Each of the singers brought something different to the concert, with Plato providing the energy and charisma, Scott demonstrating powerful and emotive vocals on songs such as the Ed Johnson tune, “Song For My Daughter,” in which she also engaged in some great vocalese. Sigerson one of Canada’s most underrated pianists served up a sparkling solo.
It was however, Hammett-Vaughan, with her wild curly red hair streaming past her shoulders, who delivered the best performance of the evening when she sang, the Rodgers and Hart tune, “My Funny Valentine,” from the 1937 musical Babes In Arms. With Foster playing lightly and tenderly with just brushes, Hammett-Vaughan gave her audience emotion packed phrases, which were filled with all the sensitivity that you would hope for, on a night reserved for love.
The evening began with a swinging rendition of Bing Crosby’s 1958 song, “Fancy Meeting You Here,” from the album of the same name. The music was lively, with Worst quickly establishing a solid groove, and the ladies providing awesome, cheery three part harmonies. Sigerson’s playing was elegant and Foster made ample use of his cymbals.
Demonstrating her vocal prowess is not restricted to just English, Scott beautifully sang C’est Si Bon in both French and English.
The trio of singers then reverted to singing standards, first performing “Fats” Waller’s “Jitterbug Waltz,” from the musical Ain’t Mis’ Behavin’, before serving up spectacular interpretation of the Vernon Duke / John Latouche / Ted Fetter 1940 show tune, “Taking A Chance On Love,” from the musical Cabin In The Sky. The song which was performed to new arrangements written by Ed Johnson, featured each of the ladies taking turns at scatting, set in a call and response with the musicians. Karin Plato’s performance in particular was scintillating.
Plato’s keen sensibilities came to the fore as she sang, “A Sleepin’ Bee,” from her 2000 album Blue Again. Her vocals were effortless and emotive, pulling at the heartstrings of her audience.
The first set ended with Paul McCartney’s “I Will,” from the Beatles’ White Album.
The second set featured songs by James Taylor (“Valentine’s Day”), the pretty Cole Porter tune, “Night And Day,” and Miles Davis’ “That Certain Smile.”
Note: All photos are protected by copyright of the artists and /or where indicated the photographers.
Reviewed by Joe Montague
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Reviewed February 14th, 2008
