Tribute to Ella is pure pleasure

UNDISPUTED Queen of Jazz Ella Fitzgerald was the inspiration for Saturday’s Bridgewater Hall concert, which saw the Halle join a big band and rhythm section to create a full dance orchestra.

But it was tremendous singer Clare Teal who made this event extra special.

With a fabulously rich voice and great personality, she exuded pure charisma, quickly drawing her audience into an intimate world.

The Yorkshire-born 41 year old is one of the best female jazz vocalists of our time, effortlessly giving voice seemingly to everything asked of her.

Ella Fitzgerald’s voice of honey and incredible three-octave range is a hard act to emulate, but Clare did her justice.

The concert brought works by composers such as Gershwin, Rodgers and Berlin, both instrumental and vocal.

“Top Hat,” “I Won’t Dance,” “Walking the Dog,” and “A-Tisket A-Tasket” were just some of the brilliant offerings, with a superb version of “Cheek to Cheek”, cleverly followed by an instrumental version, equally impressive, and showcasing the note-perfect Halle at its best.

Stephen Bell brought together a terrific programme in a superb concert; pure pleasure from start to finish.