Wall To Wall – George Michael starring Janette Mason, David McAlmont, and Oliver Darley

Joined by regular collaborator David McAlmont and singer and actor Oliver Darley, Janette Mason‘s most recent residency at the Hideaway tackled the repertoire of the late George Michael. Darley took command of the evening’s ballads, delivering a heartrending take on ‘Jesus To A Child’ and a powerful ‘One More Try’. McAlmont performed Mason’s reggae-fused rendition of ‘Faith’ and a ‘Marleyisation‘ of the orchestral power ballad ‘Praying For Time’. ‘A Different Corner’ – a UK #1 written, produced, and sung by Michael – was given a theatrical groove inspired by Lena Horne’s ‘Jingle All The Way’. McAlmont, in his element as fabulously camp showman, was on spectacular form vocally, switching between full voice and falsetto. A night of thrilling music and arrangement – even as Mr McAlmont sat on my table, looked into my eyes, and spoke a verse of ‘Last Christmas’.

Kimberly Nichole – ‘The Witch’

Kimberly Nichole, known for her exhilarating live performances, is currently residing in London as MC of Soho nightclub The Box. Released this past Halloween, Nichole has recorded a version of The Sonics’ proto-punk classic ‘The Witch’. ‘I was searching for other rock legends from Seattle besides Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana and found The Sonics. Bought their album and ‘The Witch’ stuck out because it felt like early rock and roll – like Little Richard. Started performing it and it stuck! Decided to record it. It’s bad ass.’ Nichole’s vocal – evoking the sting and snarl of, say, Tina Turner – is soul-stirring. One would believe she is summoning all sorts of supernatural mayhem.

The Soul Immigrants – Back From the Brink

Back From the Brink, released on Lateralize Records, is the sixth studio album from soul and funk outfit The Soul Immigrants. The album exhibits the group’s skillful musicianship and penchant for a catchy, funky melody. The title track kicks off proceedings with gusto, followed by ‘Up Close and Personal’ which has a bright melody redolent of Al Jarreau with flashy guitar work. The group drops into reggae, gospel, and jazz with authority. There are also some choice collaborations. ‘She Does It To Me Right’, starring jazz-reggae guitarist Ciyo Brown, has a summery haze. Ria Currie throws down on ‘I’m a Good Woman’.

Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel Feat. Xantoné Blacq – ‘Give Me The Night’

Producers Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel, founders of Imagenes Recordings, have given a nu-jazz, Brazilian-flecked update to George Benson’s classic ‘Give Me The Night’, starring Xantoné Blacq on keys and vocals. While not displacing the original, there are some lovely musical subtleties here.

Image Attribution:
Wall to Wall George Michael: The Hideaway
Kimberly Nichole – ‘The Witch’: Kimberly Nichole
The Soul Immigrants – Back From The Brink: Lateralize
Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel Feat. Xantone Blacq – ‘Give Me The Night’: Imagenes Recordings