Reviews

Polly, who was born and raised in Framlingham, treated a packed house at the California Club to a wonderful performance mixing jazz standards with contemporary material including one of her own songs Saving Grace.

She was joined on stage for her regular pianist Tim Lapthorn who comes from Burwell near Newmarket. Providing the all important backbeat on the night were drummer Mark Fletcher and double bassist Simon Little.

Among the many highspots were the three Ray Charles hits she featured including 'Hallelujah I Love Her So' and a beautiful rendition of 'Something Real', a song written by New Yorker Phoebe Snow.

Rather surprisingly there was nothing from Polly's debut album 'What's the Real Reason?' which was issued to critical acclaim by Rugged Ram Records last year. Maybe she felt the original material was too R & B based for her jazz audience.

During her show in Ipswich, Polly revealed that her forthcoming CD will comprise blues tracks and it's due to be released before the end of 2007. She's travelling to Rome in September to record the album with Tim Lapthorn and an Italian rhythm section.

BBC Radio Suffolk recorded her two sets at the Ipswich Jazz Club and highlights were broadcast on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The Ipswich Jazz Club meets at the California Social Club, Foxhall Road, Ipswich - usually once a month on a Sunday. Visit their website for more details.