County Press

Georgia Mancio/Nigel Price/Julie Walkington Trio, Newport Jazz Weekend, 13 July 2013

Sweet, soulful and spine-tingling, vocalist Georgia Mancio’s gig at the Apollo Theatre was the perfect start to Saturday at the Newport Jazz Weekend.

Opening with Alone Together from the Broadway musical Flying Colours, Georgia demonstrated a natural jazz tone that beautifully complemented guitarist Nigel Price and double-bassist Julie Walkington.

The poignant ballad, A Day in the Life of a Fool, stripped away the upbeat riffs of the opening number and revealed a simple, elegant melody with a soft bass line from Julie and hints of Latino jazz from Nigel on guitar.

Georgia’a rendition of I Thought About You was delightful, with resident jazz artist Alan Barnes performing a guest spot on the clarinet, to rapturous applause.

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, dedicated to the recession and with ex-high street giant Woolworths earning a special mention, was a particularly poignant end to the first half – a song for our times.

Giving a nod to the global appeal of jazz, No More Blues and You’ll See, both composed by Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim, were performed in a mix of Spanish and English.

Guitarist Nigel Price came into his own when presented with Carl Fischer’s We’ll Be Together Again: his skill came to the fore in a breathtaking solo, while Georgia transformed her voice from lead artist to ensemble instrument in a heartbeat.

Finishing her set with the iconic Moon River was inspired. A sublime vocal performance from Georgia floating atop a sensitive bass line and gentle guitar in an intensely emotional performance.

Last Saturday’s gig marked the end of a three-month tour for this particular trio, and they ended it with style, finesse and charm at the Newport Jazz Weekend.