London Jazz Festival -The Johanna Graham Jazz Quartet

Event at a glance

Venue: The Pheasantry (52-154 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4UT)

Date attended: 18, November 2015

Ticket Cost: 20 GBP

Rating: ★★★ (3/5)

My brief review: authentic Italian food, cozy ambience, and classic jazz together with new album premiere

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A Jazz experimental experience at The Pheasantry theatre in the PizzaExpress, soaking up the London Jazz Festival atmosphere. The pizza was authentically tasty however it was served a bit lukewarm.

The jazz quartet started with the renowned pieces such as “ the way you look tonight” and “ nature boy”, and then Johanna sang a few pieces from her new album “ Rhyme and Reason”. I particularly like this title as it employs the rhetoric alliteration.   In the middle of the concert, she sang another classic piece “ black coffee”, followed with another few pieces from her new album, such as “ I carry a heart” etc. Most of the pieces are inspired by ancient poems or old movies. The last piece, again, she sang the classic piece “ summer time”, adding her “Johannaish” twist as usual. It seems that Johanna smartly sandwiched her a new album into the classic jazz frame, well done!

A pleasant experience indeed, however, for a truly wholly jazz experience, the essential instruments such as the piano and the saxophone were missing. A well-coordinated band indeed, The vocalist Johanna obviously is the one who wears the pants in the band, lol, ironically/ actually she was wearing an elegant glittering evening dress tonight.

Johanna Graham’s website presents a detailed introduction of this quartet:

Recently signed by the 33 Jazz label, the Johanna Graham Quartet comprises the elegant and hugely accomplished guitar phrasing of Martin Bowie, an exciting and vital drumming talent in Damian Rodd, brilliant and sensitive double bass from Tim Greenhalgh and Johanna herself on vocals. The journey began in 2005 when Johanna discovered Martin as he was completing his jazz degree and the pair began to work together as a duo. In 2008 Johanna incorporated Tim Greenhalgh on bass, with Damian Rodd completing the quartet two years ago, forming a tight and enthusiastic team. The band are extremely popular in Cornwall having entertained audiences in the south west for many years, and with the release of their new album, they have been venturing further afield. Johanna's captivating stage presence and emotive style puts a fresh spin on jazz standards, with original compositions and modern classics arranged in her own unique way, and together the group produce a passionate and exciting sound. The quartet won the ‘This Is Cornwall Best Jazz Act’ in 2012, and were nominated for Best Jazz Act in the South West Music Awards.

Johanna Graham is an emotive and accomplished singer and a dynamic performer. Originally training and working as an actress, her passion for jazz started with a love of old movies whilst growing up. Her Thespian background lends sincerity and a sense of drama to her live shows. Her sweet and mellow voice is influenced by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day and Julie London, and her vocal interpretation makes every performance special and very personal.
Martin Bowie is a Bachelor of the Arts in Contemporary World Jazz. An accomplished guitarist with roots in blues, funk and acid-jazz and over 20 years experience, his influences include Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Tal Farlow and George Benson. Martin has worked with artists including New Orleans jazz ambassador Lillian Boutte, trumpet player Damon Brown and saxophonist Raphael Ravenscroft, flamenco guitarist Esteban Antonio and Marty Wilson-Piper (guitarist in The Church and All About Eve).

Tim Greenhalgh, At age 17 Tim discovered the music of Joni Mitchell and Jaco Pastorius, which inspired him to the fretless bass, During his 20’s he performed in a wide genre of music and worked extensively in both the festival and club scene. Tim has 25 years experience as a bassist, performing with renowned jazz artists including Damon Brown and Brandon Allen. He is strongly influenced by the work of John Taylor, Palle Danielsson, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden and Scott LaFaro.

Damian Rodd is son of pianist Viv Rodd. His musical career started at 14. Whilst a member of trip hop band Lowpass, Damian toured with Lamb and Tricky, refuelling his love for electronic music and crossover styles. Since moving to Cornwall, Damian has set up a production studio (Big Milk) and teaches jazz to degree level. He produced the album 8am (named album of the week in the London Evening Standard) with his father and vocalist Kris Gayle. Damian’s influences include Vinnie Colaiuta, Buddy Rich, Tony Williams & Jojo Mayer.

The Johanna Graham Quartet have performed at the Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, 606 Club, Barbican International Jazz & Blues Festival, Birmingham International Jazz & Blues Festival, Bude Jazz Festival, Teignmouth Jazz Festival, St Ives Jazz Club, the Groucho Club, London, The National Trust, RNAS Culdrose - HMS Seahawk, the Headland Hotel, Newquay and the Daphne Du Maurier Festival as well as extensively across the South West of England.

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Cornwall: a hilly county in southwestern England

Venture: [ ˈventʃə(r) ] VERB 冒险去（某处）If you venture somewhere, you go somewhere that might be dangerous.

Afield: [ əˈfi:ld ] PHRASE 在远处；在远方 Further afield or farther afield means in places or areas other than the nearest or most obvious one.

Thespian: [ 'θespɪən ] N-COUNT 演员 A thespian is an actor or actress.

Refueling: [ ri:f'ju:əlɪŋ ] V-ERG 加油;（给…）续燃料

fretless bass: 无品贝司

References:

http://www.johannagraham.co.uk/