Alison Jiear appeared at the St James Studio, London
Alison Jiear – Under the Influence. Reviewed at the St James Studio, London.
After witnessing this somewhat exemplary vocal performance from Alison Jiear, it is hard to fathom why the actress and singer has only just released her third album.
Not in a long time have I heard a voice of such versatility, clarity, tone, range and excellence. One after another, Jiear’s renditions of songs – ranging over a century of music and taking in a whole host of styles (gospel, jazz, pop, country, musical theatre) – are of a standard one hears when listening to the best music system money can buy. If anyone deserves to be heard by a wider audience, it is she.
During Under the Influence, Jiear reflects on the songwriters, singers and musicians that have been an inspiration throughout her life and career so far. The show was already a hit at the venue a month or so ago, hence her return with just a few amendments to the programme to acknowledge the release of In Your Eyes, a live recording of Jiear’s performance at former London cabaret room Pizza on the Park back in 2009.
Her selection of songs from the album give a pretty good idea of the different sides to her performing style. On one hand, the quality of her musicianship (and that of the impressive four-piece band which joins her) exudes from the emotional intensity of Ann Hampton Callaway’s ‘Never Really Mine to Lose’ and the title track, David Freidman’s ‘In Your Eyes’.
On the other, Jiear’s infectious, saucy sense of humour is showcased via a song she once sang to advertise Tampax and – one of the comedy highlights of the night – a complaint that finding new material to perform is impossible because ‘Streisand Got There First’ (composer/lyricist Richard Kates’ number is met with a standing ovation).
Other influences receiving the Jiear treatment include The Seekers and Tina Arena (both a reminder of the singer’s upbringing in Australia), Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, songwriters Janis Ian, Carole King and Joni Mitchell, together with a special medley of songs dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald.
Elsewhere the actress (probably best known in musical theatre terms for her performance in the original production of Jerry Springer the Opera) proves what a great storyteller she is, bringing deep and honest feeling to an alternative, lyrical version of ‘I Only Want to Be With You’.
And if all of the above hasn’t pulled on the heartstrings enough, Jiear offers a collection of inspirational songs that includes a soulful arrangement of ‘I Believe I Can Fly’, made especially memorable by Adam Goldsmith’s accompaniment on acoustic guitar. Indeed Jiear is blessed by the talent and experience of all the musicians onstage, with pianist David Arch, drummer Mark Fletcher and Steve Pearce (bass and guitar) joining Goldsmith.
My only quibble on this occasion was that the presence of so many of the performer’s friends and followers occasionally turned the evening into a private party, with certain audience members believing they could behave accordingly. This was a potential irritation to those seeing Jiear for the first time and even intruded on some of her more serious introductions to songs.
Still, one does have to acknowledge that this is a performer who has that kind of relaxed and informal relationship with her audience, and who would want to change that?
At the end of the day, it is the music that counts, and Jiear has a voice that reaches the places other voices just cannot reach.
Lisa Martland
Alison Jiear returns to the St James Studio on May 17.
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