Edinburgh Fringe 2010
Ali McGregor’s Jazz Cigarette
Ali McGregor
Venue: Assembly @ George Street
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
The ideal way to pass a later hour at the Fringe, Ali McGregor has a soaring, honeyed voice that swells in your stomach and soars. There’s also good humour here, as our host continues to indulge her minor obsession with the unholy unity that was once known as Britney and Timberlake.
Review
The joy of retro-fitting certain songs – whether it be via mash-ups, or singing more modern tunes in the style of jazz standards – is a recurring theme of this show, and it provides us with a sophisticated and smart hour. One of the most successful examples of this is when Ali (McGregor) sings Annie (Lennox) in her own particular style, much to the glee of the audience.
Actually, there are times on this night when the audience reaction seems somewhat muted, but if Ali is unsettled by this, she’s not letting on, and allows her songs to seduce us, her voice having the heady, unsteady anticipation of a first stolen kiss.
This is very much Ali’s show, and she’s a consumate and inviting host, ensuring that we are all transported to a bygone era of superior music and romance. All without the health warning. Gorgeous.
