SPIRIT JAZZ
ST JOHN'S CHURCH, FROME (SAT 8 JULY)

 There's something crypt-ic about sneaking into a dimly lit church through an unmarked door for an evening of jazz and poetry that seemed to subdue the pew-bound audience for this set of arrangements of Ann Harrison-Broninski's lyrical poetry by husband Keith. It was an ambitious project, the verses rarely structured to a fixed rhythm, but the revelation came when Emma Harris sang them, overcoming their complexities to deliver each with the assurance and accuracy of a well-worn standard. It was a fine vocal performance, matched by Ray Russell's dazzlingly imaginative guitar and his interplay with the understated and unpredictable percussion of Tony Orrell. There were many sparkling moments, particularly Russell's rocking in 'Shadow' and Dave Griffiths's mandolin on 'Downland', and Harris was excellent throughout. (Tony Benjamin)