Thurs 12th March – Bronwynne Brent + Mush @ Jumpin Hot Courtroom Sessions/M’boro Town Hall
It was windswept & rainy outside Middlesbrough Town Hall, but in their old courtroom no less, just before the virus & music isolation settled in , eager Roots music fans gathered to hear the sweet tones of Greenville , South Carolina songstress Bronwynne Brent with her Trio. It was the perfect acoustic room to listen too & also Jumpin Hot club’s finale to a year of classy music there. Her voice straight out of the Mississippi Delta, sang to perfection as she blended jazz, country & a little blues & even bossa nova music. Bronwynne’s song list included two covers, the old & perfectly uplifting Ella Fitzgerald’s “Saving Myself For You” and the quite famous Jacques Brel ” If You Go Away” that was smoothly done to perfection. All the others were her own self penned tunes. These were, taken from her two album “Stardust” with standout’s such as the opener ” Devil Again” and my favourite “Don’t Tell Your Secret’s To The Wind” & “Undercover” her yet to be released, new album. That title track had a pop sensibility all on its own with ever so catchy hooks. Bronwynne’s introductions to all her songs were just Kooky enough for the audience to warm to her charm, even more. With a straight ahead backing from two guys on Stick Bass & electric guitar she really shone out. A mention must also go to Mush, the very talented Newcastle band first on the bill. This quartet mixed indie folk with classical music to produce some really fine tunes. Id like to hear them again. Actually Id really like to hear both acts again …. but who know how COV19 will pan out. I’m sure we will eventually……
Juan Fitzgerald (words & photos)