01 Mar Live Review: Elisa Caleb Quintet at The Vortex, London

What better way to take the edge off a cold Monday night in winter than in the company of jazz vocalist Elisa Caleb and her impressive quintet?  Those were my thoughts whilst sat ensconced in the candlelit intimacy of the Vortex Jazz Bar last Monday as the lovely Mrs Caleb and band took to the stage. Elisa’s unadulterated jazz and blues offerings make for a refreshing change to the many Beyoncé-wannabes currently cluttering the R&B/Pop stable. And if you are expecting just another evening of standards and covers, think again.  The majority of Elisa’s set is comprised of original material written by her husband, guitarist Jo Caleb.  These sophisticated and intelligent compositions – with just a little feel for Norah Jones - are the perfect vehicle for the warm, honeyed vocals of his missus. Songs such as starkly arranged ‘The Wind’, ‘Bring Back Spring’, ‘Falling Towers’ and the wonderfully enchanting bossa nova number ‘Untitled no.1’ showcase the pure attraction of Elisa’s voice.  One would hardly believe that the songstress didn’t even consider herself a singer well into young adulthood; she’s certainly made up for lost time.