Mica Paris delivered soulful, gospel-inspired interpretations from Ella Fitzgerald’s classic songbook, sung with her terrific tone.

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Mica Paris‘ silhouette was just visible as she walked to the stage at the Islington Assembly Hall, immersed almost entirely in darkness. She began to project in her heavy low tone, resonant and thick. Slowing down the tempo to the snail’s pace, she delivered the first few lines of Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Too Darn Hot’. With the click of a finger, she slid up to a squeal, the lights flicked on, and the band came to life as the song assumed a frantic tempo.

Taking a break from her busy schedule as part of the touring cast of the musical Fame, Paris stopped by Islington Assembly Hall to pay homage to the First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald. Last year, to celebrate the centenary of Ella Fitzgerald’s birth, the British soul singer recorded ‘Imagine My Frustration’ and ‘Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye’ for the EP Mica Sings Ella. She performed a five-date UK Valentine’s tour in February this year, featuring other interpretations of Fitzgerald classics.

While Fitzgerald was a sweet-toned and mellifluous songstress, Paris is grittier, darker, and gospel-oriented in tone and style. Last night, she mentioned studying the runs and licks of African American gospel singers growing up. While melisma – the art of inserting several notes into a single syllable – may not be to everyone’s taste, Paris’ execution is always polished and fused with her musicality. She excavates the note, carving out twisting avenues but always connecting back to the central melody. As she rises in pitch, her tone becomes throaty and raspy, but never hoarse or tired. She made it clear that she would be performing the ‘Mica versions’ of Fitzgerald’s songs.

Indeed, she turned ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)‘  into a Big Mama Thornton-style blues joint, ad-libbing between audience chanting. Likewise with a cover of The Beatles’ ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ (covered by Fitzgerald in 1964). ‘Summertime’, the George Gershwin masterpiece, was given added intensity due to excellent drum work (watch a clip on our Twitter feed here). Rendered as a jazz lullaby by Fitzgerald, Paris interpreted it as an epic spiritual. The tone of the lyrics – ‘hush little baby don’t you cry‘ – shifted from one of maternal comfort to an impassioned encouragement for greatness and success. ‘One of these mornings, you’re gonna rise up singing‘

It would have been welcome to hear Paris finesse a pure, tender ballad of the likes of ‘Somebody to Watch Over Me’ or ‘Love Is Here to Stay’. But she returned to the stage to perform ‘Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye’ as an encore which demonstrated that she is just as compelling when subtle and restrained.

The Full Band
Peter Edwards – Musical Director and Keyboard
Alex Davis – Bass
Rod Young – Drums

This reviewed performance took place on 11th November 2018 at Islington Assembly Hall. For more information about Mica Paris, including bookings, check out the link here. 

(Image copyright: Soundcrash)