THE series of programmes devised by Graham Hair of Glasgow University
-- each of which has featured his three-voice arrangements of songs by
Gershwin and others -- has become something to look forward to.
Refreshing in both their concept and delivery, the programmes have
offered a genuinely different flavour to the musical palate.
Sunday's was the third and last of the present series. This one was
different again, in that it offered a platform to a superb pianist.
Rachel Beckles Wilson, a graduate of the RSAMD and Glasgow University,
has an assured technique married to considerable physical strength.
Her performances of Messiaen's two Ile de Feu studies and Elliot
Carter's 1945 Piano Sonata were a tour de force of accomplished pianism.
But more, she brought to the music -- especially the Carter -- a
beautifully articulated lyricism; I don't think I've heard this
high-quality work sing quite so much. Terrific.
And there was a premiere, too, in Nicky Hind's The Gentle, a beguiling
work that shifted imperceptibly from being contemplative to something
like ecstatic. A beautifully controlled performance from the three
singers -- Alice Dumas, Amanda Morrison, and Tracey Wilson -- with
Mexican vibes player Ricardo Gallardo.
The three girls also gave enjoyable arrangements of Gershwin classics.
I wonder if Graham Hair would consider allowing an intelligent jazz
pianist to accompany these, using the written accompaniments as a basis
from which to instil a greater degree of swing into the songs. The
pianist would need to be very sensitive -- and there's one in Scotland
who could do it. Brian Kellock is his name. Worth a thought?
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