Stacey Kent at The Fairmont: 2018
Stacey Kent represents jazz vocal tradition's continuation into contemporary practice. The American-born, London-based singer approaches standards and original material with intelligence, impeccable phrasing, and understated sophistication that recalls Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday while maintaining her own artistic identity. Her Fairmont performance demonstrated that great song interpretation remains viable art form when approached with skill and respect.
The Interpreter's Art
Jazz singing at its best isn't about vocal athleticism or range; it's about interpretation. Kent understands this completely. Her voice is pleasant but not remarkable for power or range. What makes her singing special is phrasing, timing, and ability to find meaning in lyrics through subtle emphasis and rhythmic choices.
She swings naturally, placing phrases slightly behind or ahead of the beat to create rhythmic interest. Her intonation is precise but warm. Most importantly, she makes you believe she's living the lyrics rather than just performing them.
The Standards Repertoire
Kent draws primarily from Great American Songbook, interpreting Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, and other canonical songwriters. These songs have been sung by everyone, which makes fresh interpretation challenging. Kent succeeds by avoiding imitation while respecting the material.
She also performs Brazilian standards, French chansons, and original material written by her husband, saxophonist Jim Tomlinson. This variety keeps performances from becoming predictable exercises in nostalgia.
The Partnership with Jim Tomlinson
Kent's musical and personal partnership with Tomlinson creates collaborative foundation for her music. He arranges, produces, composes, and performs, creating sophisticated settings for her vocals. This sustained collaboration allows for musical communication that casual pickup bands can't match.
Tomlinson's saxophone playing complements rather than competes with Kent's singing. The instrumental accompaniment creates space for vocals while contributing melodic and harmonic interest.
The Fairmont Setting
The Fairmont hotel represents old-school elegance, making it appropriate venue for sophisticated jazz vocals. The intimacy allows audiences to hear lyrical nuances and subtle phrasing that might get lost in larger venues.
This cabaret-style setting recalls jazz's history in nightclubs and hotel lounges, when singers like Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan performed for attentive audiences in intimate spaces.
The Brazilian Connection
Kent's embrace of Brazilian music demonstrates understanding that bossa nova and jazz share DNA. The sophisticated harmonies, the conversational vocal delivery, and the gentle swing feel make Brazilian standards natural fit for jazz singers.
Her pronunciation of Portuguese lyrics is respectable, showing respect for the material rather than treating it as exotic novelty. She approaches Brazilian songs with same care she brings to American standards.
Vocal Jazz's Current State
In contemporary music landscape dominated by pop vocal production, Kent's acoustic, unmanipulated approach feels almost radical. She doesn't rely on reverb, auto-tune, or microphone tricks. The voice is presented naturally, which requires confidence and skill.
This approach sustains vocal jazz tradition while proving it remains viable for contemporary audiences who want music prioritizing interpretation over production.
The Educated Singer
Kent holds graduate degree from Oxford in comparative literature, and her intelligence informs her approach to lyrics. She understands poetry, narrative structure, and how words create meaning. This education enhances rather than overpowering her intuitive musicality.
The Verdict
Stacey Kent at The Fairmont demonstrated that sophisticated jazz vocal interpretation remains vital art form when approached with intelligence and musicality. Her performance honored standards tradition while maintaining personal artistic vision.
If you appreciate singers who prioritize interpretation over vocal athletics, if Great American Songbook still resonates with you, if sophisticated jazz in intimate settings appeals to you, Kent delivers with elegance and authenticity.
Thank you for continuing vocal jazz tradition and for proving that understated sophistication can be more powerful than vocal gymnastics.