Concert Review: Jack Page at the Wine Cellar, 9 July 2021

Jack Page delivered a headful of ear candy to a grateful Wine Cellar. After Skilaa nearly stole the show with their unique jazz hop. Koen Aldershot files this review.

I have a confession to make; I am a sweet tooth. A sweet tooth for ear candy that is.
Walking into the Wine Cellar last Friday was like walking into Willy Wonka’s factory of sweet solos and mouth-watering harmonies!

Skilaa warmed up the stage with their unique jazz hop that can only be described as wickedly chaotic (in a good way). Their set swinging from one jazz-sub-genre to the next. My ears were filled with fat vocal harmonies riding crazy instrumentals where everyone gets a solo! Did I mention I like ear candy? Followed by a clean groove with oh so much space for vocal harmonies, rapping, scatting, and “too many trills for the amount of whisky I (Chelsea) had”.

“How can I go up on stage after a performance like that” Jack Page told me just before he did jump on stage to deliver his sulky set! With licks bouncing from the bass and guitar to the many sounds of the Nord keyboard, Jack Page and the band poured out all the ear candy that was promised! (Including some very zesty tritone substitutions for any of you music nerds who know what those sound like.)

Not only that, but they had the packed-out venue singing along to the catchy lyrics in no time! Even though I am biased toward any band with a trumpet, with well-placed stabs, creatively improvised solos, 3 part harmonies, and all other signs pointing to a super tight band, Jack Page and the band sent everyone in the room off to a great weekend!

Skilaa:
Michael Howell (guitar)
Chelsea Prastiti (vocals)
Helen Pahulu (backing vocals)
Lea Anea (backing vocals)
Tom Dennison (bass)
Adam Tobeck (drums)

Jack Page:
Emily Browning (guitar + backing vocals) Jack Harré (trumpet) Jack Page (vocals + keys + guitar) Chris Wethey (bass + backing vocals)
Matt Andrews (drums)

Koen Aldershot