Merlin Music Society Review December 2006

Kit & The Widow

On Tuesday 13th December Kit and The Widow graced Monmouth with their bright presence. Meeting at Cambridge University, these two men (and many different pianos) have had a dazzling career. They broadcast regularly on radio 3, have performed on various occasions to royalty and have even cracked the big apple. I expected a thrilling evening here in Monmouth, and I had it.

Charming the audience immediately with cheeky conversation, Kit and The Widow commenced with a number dedicated to Andrew Lloyd Webber and his obvious 'influences'. Kit (baritone) entertained and charmed with his vivacious vocals, executing each song with spontaneity yet lyrical and comical precision. He captivated the audience: no-one could keep a straight face! The Widow, the pianist and a seemingly quieter character, played the newly refurbished Steinway with rare subtlety. His musicality was astounding, his playing quite beautiful. It contrasted with the vigour of Kit's performance at centre stage, full of sassiness and energy, yet sweetly balanced.

Behind the simply hilarious front were impeccable timing, wonderful use of vocabulary, lyrical genius and intelligence which never failed to shine through. They used risqué wordplay to tickle the audience, but above all it was their personality and friendliness that really sold the performance to me. They had taken the trouble to find out about Monmouth, and their local references enhanced the impression of engaging and witty company.

Twice the audience was enraptured by a song of beautiful melody and seriousness which balanced the general hilarity. Much of their humour is fuelled by anger and seriousness, and these songs really showed their depths as human beings as well as artists.

 

The next Merlin Concert, given in association with the Wye Valley Festival, will be on Thursday 26^th January 2006 at 7.30 pm in the Blake Theatre Monmouth.
 

Jessie Rodger

[The reviewer is in year 13 at Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls and is hoping to study French and History at university. She's an accomplished pianist and clarinettist, artist and photographer.]