Sara Colman and Rebecca Nash in Oswestry, Shropshire

On the eve when the clocks were set to change and amidst the challenge of Storm Broelo, Oswestry, a market town in Shropshire, witnessed a resilient evening of jazz artistry. The event took place in a distinctive Welsh Congregational Chapel, now repurposed as an Arts venue, hosting vocalist Sara Colman and pianist Rebecca Nash as part of their ongoing 'Ribbons' tour. They were accompanied by bassist Henrik Jensen, whose contribution added a vital layer to the performance.

Earlier that day, Colman and Nash led an intensive vocal workshop that lasted three hours, drawing keen interest and setting a collaborative tone among attendees. This workshop appeared to foster an engaging atmosphere that resonated during the night's setlist. The concert commenced with the eponymous track from their album 'Ribbons,' a piece conceived during the isolated period of the Covid pandemic, reflecting how creativity persisted through adversity.

Following this, the duo navigated through selections from the Joni Mitchell songbook, performing four compositions that highlighted their deep appreciation and interpretative skills of Mitchell's work. The set then returned to material from 'Ribbons,' with 'Sophie’s Song' standing out as a tribute to singer-songwriter Sophie Bancroft, inspired by her fascination with the aurora borealis. Rebecca Nash’s piano performance was particularly notable for its melodic intricacies and solo passages that punctuated the evening.

The rapport between Colman and Nash, spanning over a decade, was evident throughout the concert. Their long-term collaboration has fostered an intuitive musical dialogue marked by mutual understanding and fluid communication, essential qualities in jazz performance. This synergy was further enhanced by Henrik Jensen’s bass work, which introduced additional depth and complementarity to the trio’s sound.

The second segment of the concert revisited more Joni Mitchell pieces before reaching a powerful moment with 'The Gardener.' This politically charged song addresses the struggles faced by women and children under Taliban rule, and honors the activism of Sakena Yacoobi. The performance began with Jensen’s bass creating a brooding atmosphere, followed by Nash’s piano weaving through the texture, allowing Colman’s vocals to deliver a poignant and compelling narrative.

While the tour was primarily in support of the 'Ribbons' album, the set list also incorporated selections from Colman’s 2021 release 'Ink on a Pin,' which itself celebrates Joni Mitchell’s legacy and features Nash’s piano work throughout. This blending of repertoire underscored the artists’ versatility and the breadth of their creative endeavors.

The concert showcased not only the technical skill of the performers but also their commitment to meaningful storytelling through music. The interplay between voice, piano, and bass was crafted with precision and emotional depth, offering the audience an immersive experience despite the intimate venue size.

Upcoming performances on the tour were scheduled for November 11 at Cherry Red’s in Birmingham and November 19 at Spirited in Bristol, promising further opportunities for audiences to engage with the rich musical dialogue established by Colman, Nash, and Jensen.

Overall, the Oswestry show stood as a testament to the enduring power of collaborative jazz, merging personal narratives with broader social themes, and reinforcing the artists’ place within the contemporary British jazz scene. According to ukjazznews.com, the evening was a compelling blend of artistry, activism, and friendship, delivered with both subtlety and conviction.