REVIEW | Liza Pulman - The Heart Of It, The Other Palace
★★★★
Reviewer - ANNIE
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.
Jazz, heart and laughter swept across the floor of The Other Palace last night, as Liza (NOT Lisa) Pulman launched her new album and show ‘The Heart of It’.
The main stage of The Other Palace was transformed into a stripped-back, sparkly stage to house Liza and her wonderful band, as they transported the audience to what felt like being in a cosy Soho jazz club. Although the main stage can seat 350 people, it felt such a gorgeously intimate event and, a world away from the grandeur of the Heathers world that has dominated the stage for the past couple of years.
Pulman’s new album is nothing but a love letter to Jazz and golden age music. It is everything and more you could wish for in an album; bursting with well-loved tunes as well as introducing the audience to songs perhaps we are less familiar with. There is no doubt of Pulman’s knowledge but what really shone through this was that this is a true passion project and her desire to honour the greats from before.
Each song was wonderfully introduced with the background of not only who wrote the song, but also why it was included on the album. Pulman has crafted this album with such intellect, not just for the heroes of the genre, but also for creating a plethora of tunes that flow with one another so harmoniously, whilst still being filled with personal touches.
Her tracklist ranges from Randy Newman to Irving Berlin, and the emotions run from heartwrenching love songs to big camp blowout numbers. As expected from her time with Fascinating Aida, the show was filled with comedic timing and humour to create a totally laid-back affair.
Most prominently this was noticed between Pulman and her wonderful band. Their relationship on stage was the perfect mix of light-hearted fun and passion. It is clear to see how heavily involved everyone was in creating this album. Pulman celebrates her band throughout the show, and it is lovely to watch their admiration for one another on stage. It is more than evident that the music is just as important as the lyrics, and this is wonderfully celebrated.
With vocals often likened to those of Streisand, it was a given that I was in for a treat last night, but what I loved most about Liza’s voice was her brilliant mix of jazzy tones with operatic riffs - paying homage to her early career.
To me this is what makes a true artist great - they celebrate all eras of their careers, and Pulman created a fabulous blend of styles and genres which brought a fresh take to the songs.
Although many of the songs included on the album have been covered multiple times across the decades, what’s so special about Pulman’s album is how they all interweave with one another and created the most fabulous concoction of songs to listen to, offering variation and harmony somehow at the same time. They are a wonderfully contemporary take on much-loved songs.
I am so excited to listen to these songs on repeat, bravo to such a gorgeous album. It is not streaming on all platforms, and can be bought on CD. Give it a listen on Spotify!
Liza Pulman-The Heart of It is at The Other Palace on 30 January. Tickets are from £15 and can be purchased here.
