‘Out to Lunch’ concert

Press, 10 July 1985, Page 8

‘Out to Lunch’ concert

“Out to Lunch” with Lizzie Cook (piano and vocals), presented by the Arts Employment Scheme at the Great Hall, Arts Centre, July 9, 1.10 p.m.. Reviewed by Philip Norman. For a musician, the leap from cocktail bar to concert hall is a wide one. While the former venue requires music that is low-key and unobtrusive, the latter requires a performance that commands and sustains attention. Lizzie Cook’s brave solo voice and piano recital yesterday lunchtime regrettably fell short of’meeting these concert-hall requirements. She is, though, without a doubt a talented performer. Her voice is sweet and light in tone, and her pitching is true. She makes of expressive in-

flection, and has mastered the art to excellent effect of delayed rhythmic syncopation. Her piano playing is likewise tidy and concise. It features clear harmonies and cleanly articulated rhythms. Her performance in yesterday’s “Out to Lunch” recital was one of high-quality background music. Where it missed the boat as a concert performance was in the twin virtues of energy and variety. Most of the programme — a healthy mixture of jazz and soft-rock tunes — was delivered at a medium tempo in the middle register at a mid-level dynamic. There were few contrasts in Cace, pitch, or volume to reak the mesmeric regularity of the music. The performance was, in

essence, too reserved and restrained to present moments of arresting power. One kept hoping for a swooping melismatic embellishment to the vocal line or a vigorously swung improvisation to help the energy level. Alas, the music remained in corsets for most of the recital. I would like the opportunity to hear Lizzie Cook again soon. Perhaps she could entertain the idea of a recital with a separate accompanist; this would enable her to concentrate on her vocal delivery. With freedom to roam from the keyboard, all the signs suggest she could establish good rapport with an audience. Today’s “Out to Lunch” ; concert features the lan Quartet.