Sing Sistah Sing! Tales of Transatlantic Freedom – Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Sing Sistah Sing! Tales of Transatlantic Freedom continues at Pianodrome at the Old Royal High – Pianodrome Amphitheatre, Edinburgh until 26 August 2022.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Pianodrome is a rather special venue. Constructed from dozens of old piano parts with some complete pianos ‘built in’ this unique performance space prepares the audience, sitting on tiered benches, all around the circular stage, amongst the piano parts, to expect something special.

This enthralling encounter with these award-winning artists, singer Andrea Baker and composer and pianist Howard Moody, does not disappoint.

Baker is heard before she is seen. As the lighting in the arena shifts to highlight the central performance space, her voice gradually builds in intensity as she walks around the space behind the audience, eventually coming into the stage, almost without concern as if she is singing for her own pleasure whether anyone is listening or not.

Noticing her audience, it’s a surprise to hear her sing Robert Burns’ ‘Aye Waukin-O’ with such tenderness and absolute clarity. Moody accompanies her on the grand piano but their partnership is more than a singer and a pianist. Moody is adventurous and brave in some of his choices: ‘preparing’ the piano with chains and papers in a John Cage approach, the tone becomes altered; fragmented and jarring. His percussion work is energetic, dynamic; this energy through the fiddle sets up a duel with Baker’s voice as each challenges the other to be better.

When Baker speaks about the stories of striving for freedom, she is entirely without guile. Her simplicity emphasises her message – you could hear a pin drop through the thrall in which she holds the audience, spellbound.

The range encompasses opera, folk, jazz and gospel. It’s fascinating to hear the changes in register and to see the effect on Baker’s movement as she prowls and shimmies across her arena. John Paul McGroarty’s direction ensures that the audience feels intimately connected to the music and the stories woven around the songs.

The audience rose as one to their feet at the finale – this is a stunning piece of work and consider yourself lucky if you have a ticket. Simply amazing.

Fiona Orr