Anita Wardell -"mesmerising" (The Arts Desk)
30 November 2022
Anita Wardell’s 'Tribute to Betty Carter' left the 606 audience mesmerized
The winner of two BBC Jazz Awards and a British Jazz Award for ‘Best Jazz Vocalist’, Anita Wardell amazed the crowd with her ‘Tribute to Betty Carter’ show during this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival. For this show subtitled ‘Something Wonderful’, Anita celebrated the artistry of one of the most influential jazz singers of all time performing classics from Carter’s repertoire, showcasing “… how spontaneous and ‘in the moment’ she was…taking rhythmic, musical, emotional risks through the use of dynamics, drama and improvisational elements giving an exciting and committed performance every time she got up to sing…
Here’s what The Arts Desk’s Sebastian Scotney said about Wardell’s performance:
“I headed to the 606 Club to witness the phenomenal craft of vocalist Anita Wardell. She has been missing from London for the past four years while holding a teaching post in Adelaide, but now she has relinquished it and is back here. Wardell’s Betty Carter celebration was a joy, and she has the skill and the jazz chops to do it. The room was packed with other singers, all seemingly awe-struck. And to anyone who comes out with the lazy trope that they don’t like scat singing, there is a simple answer: if there is any current singer who can change minds, it is Anita Wardell.” - Sebastian Scotney, The Arts Desk
Read the full review here
Using her voice as her instrument, Anita displays precision and agility, mixed with heartfelt emotion. Born in the UK, she grew up in Australia, receiving her music degree from Adelaide University before continuing her studies at the Guildhall School of Music in London.
Anita was joined on the stand by long-time collaborator, pianist Robin Aspland, with Jeremy Brown-bass & Steve Brown-drums
It was fantastic to have Anita back at 606 after she has been away in Australia for the past four years. We are hoping for another spectacular night featuring her wonderful voice in the future!
Photo: Tatiana Gorilovsky