Nice Girls Don’t Stay For Breakfast

Nice Girls Don’t Stay For Breakfast is a classy tribute to the songs of sultry jazz legend, Julie London. All of her most iconic hit songs (“Cry Me A River”, “Blue Moon” et al) are included in the set, alongside more idiosyncratic, personal numbers (“Everything Happens To Me” and “Daddy”) beloved to London’s longterm fanbase.

Singer Steph Acraman captures London’s trademark languid sensuality in her vocal phrasing, but without ever stooping to mere impersonation.  Her backing band (Ben Adamson on drums, Peter Caputo on double-bass, Tony Lillywhite on keys & Dean Barcello on guitar) likewise display some astonishing virtuoso technique, but never fall into the trap of undermining the emotional integrity of a song by going overboard in showing off their chops.

Unfortunately, Acraman’s stage patter is sometimes a bit heavy on fangirl gushing and tedious gossip-column trivia about London’s personal life, so whenever the music stops the show loses momentum somewhat.  Still, the audience didn’t seem to mind having to sit through the odd bit of dull chit-chat in between the sensational songs, the level of applause being very loudly appreciative throughout the evening.

It’s no wonder, really. To behold this quintet of technically powerful, yet emotionally sensitive musicians apply their skills to some of the most resonant standards in music history is a spellbinding experience.

Benjamin Orchard