Jazzyfatnastees concert review

By Fiona McKinson

Jazz Cafe, London - 14 July 2003

Georgia-born vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright stood centre stage at the Jazz Cafe. You would be mistaken for thinking that she was more than just a supporting act, such was her grace and performance. Her unique style draws upon influences in jazz, folk, pop, R&B, neo-soul, and, most of all, gospel - the music on which she was brought up. She sang cuts from her debut album 'Salt' - an eclectic blend of jazz/pop standards, five of which are her own compositions and one of which is a Broadway number. Lizz possesses an extraordinary voice, enviable stage presence, exotic beauty, poise, and clear passion which add up to an intangible and instantly recognisable star quality.

The follow up then would have to be equally spectacular and in the shape of Philly based neo soul vocal duo the 'Jazzyfatnastees', the audience were not let down. Formed in 1992 as a four part-harmony group, the Jazzy's name derives from the duo's 'jazzy' lyrics, 'fat' harmonies and 'nasty' tracks. Tracy Moore and Mercedes Martinez, are the remaining members of the group. They took to the stage wearing complementary black and white. Their synchronisation was extended to their harmonies which were showcased on such tracks as 'The Wound' taken from their debut album, 'The Once and The Future', 'Give A Dog A Bone', 'Tumbling' and 'The lie' which had true fans singing along. 'All up in my face', taken from their current album 'The Tortoise and the Hare', was the most memorable song for me, as it is full of attitude. The rock/hip hop mix on this track continued through cuts such as 'Compelled.'

Indeed their stage presence was compelling. Tracy and Mercedes danced with the grace of ballerinas as they moved on occasion in slow tai chi like motions to the jazzy soul. They gyrated in sultry moves to the pulsating rhythms as the pace quickened with Latin American and rock style vibes. They jammed with their three piece backing band: Adam Blackstone on Bass, Aaron Draper on drums and Ben Kenney on electric guitar, and encouraged the crowd to do the same, during their instrumental of Joe Budden's 'Pump it up'.
Beyond their lyrics the Jazzys were representing the ladies, and they enticed the fellas in the crowd to see things from their perspective by telling them that 'It really is all about us!' The Jazzys smiled all night and did not let repeated mic problems spoil their set. They, like the eclectic crowd, clearly had a good time. A night with the jazzys is a unique and atmospheric experience, it was a special thing to witness their unique brand of 40's style harmonies sung over jazz loops and break beats. Their vocals are powerful and it is hard to imagine them in the shadows as backing singers for artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, OutKast, De La Soul, Eric Benet, and Stevie Wonder among others.

It is clear that they have performance on lockdown especially as they run their own open mic showcase 'Black Lily', in Philly, New York and Japan! Their debut album preceded the neo soul movement in America, and subsequently did not exceed commercial expectations, however these trend-setters promise much with their current set if this gig was anything to go by

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