Music

Emma Smith

Ronnie Scott’s, London

4/5

Exuberant orange swing

Exciting jazz vocalist Emma Smith chose to launch her latest recording Bitter orange at the most prestigious jazz venue in London. Accompanied by the accomplished trio she recorded with, Smith was determined to show her true jazz mettle in a thrilling set of reimagined classics.

Her vocal capabilities are remarkable, and she uses fine control to impress. When experimenting with different singing styles her pitch was occasionally off, but I chalk it down to nerves and trying new things out which all musicians must do.

Her excitement and energy were infectious. Her band was also happy and exuberant, effortlessly showcasing their skills. Jamie Safir on piano, a fluent and sensitive player and arranger, Conor Chaplin on bass, a true virtuoso and Luke Tomlinson on drums, a dexterous and steady support.

Smith came out on stage in orange with a glamorous hat matching the release photo. It was clear that she was ready and that this will be special. The upbeat tracks made you want to dance. The melancholic ones she chose were more complex and demanding. More at home in the fast pieces where her voice and diction were effortless, she found it slightly more difficult to keep the momentum in the slower tracks, although they were not necessarily more technically demanding. Her voice started to sound tired two thirds in, no doubt the excitement contributing, but this did not deter from the pleasure of listening.

Sinatra’s That’s life, incidentally not on the release, hit the nerve with its bittersweet and defiant groove. I’m in the middle of a muddle was an entertaining rendition of a tongue-twisting happy piece that didn’t make it into Disney’s Cinderella. My funny Valentine, allegedly the most requested jazz classic, was a challenge which Smith tackled with imagination, but perhaps it needs to settle a bit more to sound more unified and convincing. As a true Londoner Smith delivered the live premiere of her version of Noel Coward’s London pride with heart. This gentle track is celebratory with no excess. The only new piece on the album, composed by Smith and Safir, What took you so long?, catchy and smooth, employed Smith’s vocal range beautifully.

Cole Porter’s Make it another old-fashioned please, hit all the right requirements to become a favourite. Sensual, tongue-in-cheek, fun and with juicy jazz lines and rhythms, it was a treat to hear it live. The waiter brought an old-fashioned just in time for the track, an accessory to the orange outfit, which Smith and Safir shared with delight.

At the end of course I just had to buy the new album as there were many songs I wanted to hear again. I was captivated by Smith’s voice, her extrovert stage presence, and her smooth band. Without a doubt the best jazz is live jazz.