Janet Evra and Ilario Ferrari: Live at Watford Pump House

Watford Jazz Junction Music Festival 2025 continued in fine style on Tuesday with performances from singer and bass player Janet Evra, followed by pianist and vocalist Ilario Ferrari in the intimate setting of the Watford Pump House.

Ilario Ferrari with Charlie Pyne and Katie Patterson

The team at Watford Jazz Junction have done an excellent job in selecting a variety of musicians to perform at this year's festival, and it's a delight that they've managed to put on so many shows this year, with the last few being held at the Pump House theatre.

After shows with Harry T Pope, Vanessa Haynes and Elaine Delmar, this evening at the cosy Pump House took our jazz in another direction, to continue exploring the genre with Evra's bass trio and Ferrari's piano trio.

Janet Evra was joined by Will Buchanan (guitar) and Jamie Joiner (drums) in a selection of original tunes and some beautiful covers - notably Baby I'm a Fool by Melody Gardot and Blondie's Call Me. The set was a gorgeous little tribute to the beauty of lyrics and music in tandem. Language is obviously something of a passion for Evra, who delivered a number of the songs in lilting French. A joyous set!

A short break and we were entranced by Ferrari and his trio - Charlie Pyne (bass and vocals) and Katie Patterson (drums and vocals) - performing some of the tracks from their new album Above the Clouds. There was light and shade aplenty and some stunning backdrops (as well as an animated video) that added a visual element to the evening. Outstanding track of the night was Walking on the Yellow Line, which Ferrari described as a love letter to the Earth, to Watford and to all of us in the audience.

This was a truly intimate evening of jazz that was a pleasure to experience - both trios made the audience feel more than welcome and involved. A joyous Tuesday evening in Watford!

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