Music
by The Darling Buds of May
Wednesday 28 January
De Parel Spiegeltent
Review by Fiona Hugo

The Darling Buds of May are a six piece band who, while enamoured with swing music, desire to give something of their own to it. There is a tender balance to be struck, however. When does lauding the past turn into imitation, or on the contrary, when does the modern surge run away with itself? These darling jazz flowers carved it out perfectly by paying homage to the genre with meticulous attention to style and aesthetic detail, all the while maintaining their own personality and flavour.  This is my holy grail, this is the centre of my music venn diagram. I adore these charming and racy old genres, but I also like my music in the flesh, with a presence and pulse. Tonight I had my jazz cake and ate it too.

The Swing Revue this year took a turn down the soulful and vibrant path of Gospel with spontaneous vocality, call and answer between band members, and a bit of hide and seek in the horn section. I applaud the effort that was put into keeping the show fresh and interesting; we were treated with a diverse range of feature musicians and a variety of different combinations. A favourite of mine is always the three part harmonies of the sweet and sassy Cotton Tail Trio. This year there was a new collaboration called ‘The Concept of West’, a gospel inspired four part harmony. Oh how those flawless harmonies make my toes curl. I am on my knees, crying out to the God of swing music for more harmonies, please.

I was struck by how cohesive this group was. They shared similar musical quirks, swelling together and moving together. I could feel the candid joy of genre that possessed each band member. What a special thing, to share in their treasured passion. This magnetism is held together by frontwoman Jessie Gordon, who is an absolute force; I can’t help but feel that she is the life and creative energy of this group. She holds herself with all the honeyed poise and sophistication of a true Chanteuse. Her voice is mellifluous, her presence could stop a bus and her showmanship appears effortless, but I am sure is the result of the utmost dedication.

It is the energy of this group, and their genuine passion for the music they present that fills the old genre, and cracks it open a little. It retains the essential elements, but lets it breathe, stretch and reform ino something familiar but excitingly fresh. Go and see these lovely local artists. What a special thing to cultivate something old and treasured, maintaining that integrity, while giving it new life.

Recommended for: those who love sweet and soulful music, and those who lust for music with swing and spice.

The Swing Revue runs until Friday 30th January. Tickets are here.
The Darling Buds of May are also presenting Fever: The Music of Peggy Lee from February 14th and you can find tickets here.