NORTHUMBRIAN MUSIC
NIGHTS
What we said about
The Andrea Pattinson
Trio
Because they were there
Because we heard Andrea Pattinson's demo and were absolutely smitten by the voice, and just had to hear her live at the King's Head in Allendale.
Because they don't write songs like this anymore. Because the work of George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter and the team of Rogers and Hart will live forever. Because whether it's 'Day or Night' or whether the 'Willow Weeps for me' as I dodge 'Between the Raindrops', only live music is really real. Because 'Samba around a single note' goes where other songs can't.
Because 'My Funny Valentine' makes me smile with my heart. Because the medley developed by Nick Pride, guitarist, into 'This can't be love' was so honest, so pure and so powerfully true that shivers glissandoed spontaneously up and down every backbone in the room.
Because the emergence of a startling new talent is a joy to experience. Because the human voice is at once the most fragile, and the most powerful, of all instruments. Because time and love is all there is. Because 'It's just the nearness of you.' Because 'Chucky's in love.'
Because there is always more to learn, whether it's the lyrics to the South Bank Show intro, or a trip to the moon on gossamer wings. Because the dynamism of a simple double bass percussion like Paul Armstrong laid down last Saturday night is all that is necessary to keep the music going. Because 'It had to be you'. Because 'It was just one of those things.'
Because everybody knows 'Fever'. Because you 'Don't Fight Love.' Because 'The Lady is a Tramp.' Because the appreciation of breathtaking phrasing, incredible control and a voice like a cheerful diva is easy when they are there. Because this music is universal, wonderful and timeless.
Because the spontaneous eruption of frenzied applause demanding the absolute necessity of an encore, as well as a mirthful turn on the floor to 'Route 66', all come naturally to the sophisticated audience at The King's Head.
I don't know, otherwise -- why do you go out to hear live music?
