[AD – PR invite*]
★★★★
Female jazz singers are the theme of Hannah Hay’s Edinburgh Fringe show, which is currently playing at theSpaceUK. Performing during the evenings on the first week of the festival, the group has created a 50-minute jazz concert that takes audiences through renowned icons of the genre, brief summaries of their life stories and songs from their careers. From Ella Fitzgerald to Norah Jones and Peggy Lee to Amy Winehouse to name but a few, spectators are treated to soothing vocals and note-perfect instrumentals which are performed by an incredibly talented 6-piece band.
Atmospheric concert
Very rarely do I review late night shows at the Fringe, but I made an exception for the chance to hear some soulful jazz after dark. The amphitheatre venue at Symposium Hall is brilliant for musical performances, featuring fantastic acoustics and raised seating that makes audiences feel involved in the intimate concerts. This structure combined with the dimmed lighting design for ‘Divas of Jazz’, makes for a deeply atmospheric viewing experience, evoking the feeling of a jazz club in the heart of Edinburgh’s Hill Square.
Narration, effortless vocals and captivating instrumentals
The music is where the production’s strengths lie, but the storytelling aspects need some further context and greater amplification. The current explanations scratch the surfaces on each of the icons and I found myself hoping for perhaps one less artist to be featured and instead more time allocated for providing additional insight into the legendary singers.
That being said, Hannah Hay’s vocals are mesmerising, gliding through every song with ease. ‘Cry Me a River’ is a stand out moment, with the strength and richness of the vocals travelling to every corner of the auditorium. Even though this is very much a band-focused concert, the setlist features duets from the vocalist and jazz pianist Angus Alphonse, saxophonist Harry Burnell and others, showcasing various unique arrangements.
Last chance to catch this musical masterpiece
There are just two opportunities left to catch Hannah and the team in action. If you are looking for a relaxing show to round off a visit to the festival this Friday or Saturday, definitely consider ‘Divas of Jazz, From Fitzgerald to Jones’. The group are performing at theSpace @ Symposium Hall – Amphitheatre until 10th August, with tickets available via the Edinburgh Fringe website. Performances start at 21:45 and are brought to you live courtesy of some ultra-talented jazz musicians.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
*My ticket for ‘Divas of Jazz, From Fitzgerald to Jones’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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