I hadn’t realised a movie I was rewatching over the summer was a celebration of the bizarre and spectacular world of jazz music. I had never been a fan of jazz: certainly never sought it out on my volition, but was hoping to dip my toes into it this year. When the opportunity to review Jazz Could Happen to You was offered, instead of just dipping my toes in, I was delighted to let Tiffany Gaze encourage me to make the plunge.

We were taken back in time, beginning at the roaring 20s, all the way to the swinging 60s, with her smooth and honey-thick voice (a cliché description, maybe, but it truly sticks with you the whole way home) singing tributes and her own renditions of unforgettable jazz songs by the greats, such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, with the backing of her band. Oh, the band! I thought they really spruced up the show and brought the whole essence of jazz to life.

We were given a taste of the talents each member brought to the stage right off the bat. Opening with the show’s namesake, It Could Happen to You – made famous by Frank Sinatra – we were blown away by the solos presented by the drummer (Jack Barton), pianist (Edmund Black), and bassist (Dan Courts), all while Tiffany sang like a star. They weren’t just playing the sheet music in front of them, they were throwing the spotlight at each other, with the drummer taking control in one moment and the bassist in the next. To steal the words of La La Land’s Sebastian Wilder, “It’s conflict, it’s compromise… and it’s very, very exciting”. My eyes snapped from one performer to the next as they took the centre stage. 

The show couldn’t have been in a better place too. The creaky wooden floorboards, the dim lights, and the air infused with the smell of wine makes a perfect setting for a jazz club in Ayers House: a jazz club from a La La Land scene at least.The only thing we were missing was the copious amount of cigarette smoke clouding the room. This was probably for the better, considering my asthma and the impact that might have on the performance. 

I had a good time. The man in my row, who looked like he had been to a jazz club or two in his lifetime, certainly did. He couldn’t resist snapping his fingers to the tune throughout the evening – a testament to the dazzling showmanship presented by Tiffany and the band. 

The only thing that I would note is that, at times, it sounded like Tiffany’s voice was drowned by the band, but that could just be an issue on the part of the audio technician or due to the small nature of the venue. Otherwise, it was a wonderful performance by our very own Elder Conservatorium student.

You could say jazz did happen to me a little that evening. Tiffany’s performance was a good introduction into the world of jazz for a rookie like me. Shifting my perception of the genre from mere lounge music to a symphonic push-and-pull between musicians that just wows you with every snare of a drum and a blow of a trumpet. It might take some more convincing to turn me into a jazz fan, but hey, I’ve always been more of an indie-pop girly anyway. 

The results may be different for you, so go and try it out for yourself. Tiffany Gaze will be performing Jazz Could Happen to You at Ayers House until the 11th of March.