SYDNEY FESTIVAL: EMMA PASK LATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA: COSITA DIVINA- 22 JAN

 

Emma Pask

Rating : Five stars

What a treat it was to hear Emma Pask reprise her ARIA-nominated album Cosita Divina on its 10th anniversary, celebrating the sounds and inspiration of samba and bossa nova.

I have joyously followed Emma’s career for decades. Discovered as a high school student at Kirrawee State High by jazz luminary James Morrison, she was invited to join his band in 1994 before even finishing school. An extraordinarily gifted performer and jazz singer, Emma graced the stage tonight with a dynamic horn and rhythm section, accompanied by her 12-piece Latin jazz orchestra and a vocal accompanist. Together, they paid glorious tribute to a fine selection of classics and original compositions.

The City Recital Hall, the perfect venue for such an occasion, was nearly bursting at the seams for this one-night-only performance. Emma’s intimate rapport with each member of her orchestra was immediately apparent, creating an incredible ensemble experience. At times, she seemed to disappear into the music itself, blending seamlessly with the band. She is both the commanding lead and an instrument in her own right, such is her talent.

The evening celebrated both her original compositions and beloved standards of the past. Hearing Sergio Mendes and Brazil ’66 took me back to my childhood, as my mother used to play and dance to their albums. Emma’s rendition of “Quizás” (by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés) transported us to the 1940s when it first became a hit. I also fondly remembered Doris Day’s English adaptation, “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.” It was a joyous and uplifting moment.

Emma also shared deeply personal stories, including her husband’s life-altering accident over a year ago. This gave every love song she performed a renewed purpose and power, imbuing the music with profound emotion.

The evening’s support act was Tiago De Lucca, a solo singer with just his guitar. His delightful scat singing, a hallmark of a true jazz performer, left a strong impression. It made me wonder if this had drawn Emma to invite him to share the stage. Tiago returned at the end of the concert for a special duet with Emma, performing a song that held deep meaning for her husband, who was present in the audience in his wheelchair.

Emma Pask took us on a journey through the sassy sounds of Brazilian, Cuban, and Spanish music, interwoven with her own originals. It was a heartfelt and joyous celebration of love, life, and music.

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