Melody Gardot completely captivated the audience Monday night with her one-and-a-half-hour set as part of the Jazz by the Lake series in the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival. Every now and then a performer comes along who has a quality that goes beyond their singing and playing ability to make an extraordinary stage presence. They say Judy Garland and Edith Piaf had that kind of quality, and Gardot has joined those ranks.
It’s partly due to the hint of tragedy in her life; as the victim of a serious traffic accident in 2004 when she was 19, Gardot has been left partially disabled and visually impaired. It was during her recovery period when she was unable to sit at the piano, that she picked up a guitar, developed her songwriting abilities and discovered her voice. And what a special voice it is: warm, throaty – a thimbleful of a voice, reminiscent of Julie London with touches of Nina Simone and Feist – drawing us in with a contrast of sweetness and world-weariness.
Her five-piece backing band (including vibes!) sensitively accompanied as Gardot eased her way through a quiet combination of covers and originals. A reborn-in-the-bayou version of “Ain’t No Sunshine” gave way to the utterly gorgeous “Baby I’m a Fool,” an acapella “Smile” and a swinging “Caravan,” all adding up to a charming show by a completely enchanting performer.
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Cathy Riches
