Perth Reviews

The elegant and amusing Ms Gordon took the stage in front of an excellent ensemble comprised of three masterful musicians. This trio provided not only skillful and subtle arrangements to accompany her lovely voice but indulged the audience in some marvelous solo pieces.

Jessie Gordon explained she had taken a few liberties with the lyrics of what were mostly “standards”. So she led us through familiar melodies presented as they were written “long ago and out of date”. Then she gave us an updated version with her own new lyrics, sometimes scathing, always witty. There was A Foggy Day in London Town retitled A Narcoleptic’s Regret!

Her sense of fun was evident in the vivacious rendering of I’d Rather Be With You. The piece a perfect showcase for some stunning piano variations by Harry Mitchell. This was matched by a brilliant bass solo by Karl Florrisson.

Mention must be made of the excellent work on drums by Michael Perkins. His skilful solo arrangements built to a climax followed closely by a rapt audience.

Gordon hit her comedic straps with a delightful version of That Just Isn’t Me Today Honey, which morphed into a version of Unforgettable which had been transformed into the bitchiest ever song of disappointed love – So Forgettable. Delivered dripping with affected boredom. The audience was in stitches.

After checking with the crowd whether we remembered Frank Sinatra (we did just!), Gordon moved onto a very different rendering of Come Fly With Me.

Heart On A String an original song written by Jessie herself, was a moving rendition of heartbreak and romantic loss. Beautifully timed with the haunting refrain “You’ve got my heart on a string.”

A complete change of pace was the “spooky, creepy” version of I’ve Got You under My Skin. Jessie chose to highlight the macabre, slightly surreal interpretation of the literal reading of the title. She had a lot fun with this number and so did the audience.

All Of Me in its 1931 original version was a snappy conclusion to a very well rounded show. Tight ensemble work delivered with polish and panache.

Jessie Gordon is playing a variety of shows in the current Fringe Programme. I suggest you check out the options to catch one of her shows. They do not disappoint, her charismatic presentation was lapped up by the sold-out audience.