A mix of jazz, blues, soul and even some early rock and roll. Classic jazz and blues songs mixed with originals penned by Davina Sowers herself. An enjoyably mixed up set list with love songs and breakup songs, slow numbers and full on rockers. They might be from Minnesota, but their soul is from New Orleans.
The Vagabonds lineup features drums, double bass, trumpet and trombone, with three of the guys proving to be quality vocalists. They form a tight unit, with impressive solos from all four. Notably from bassist, Matt Blake, who sadly only had two spots in which to shine, but took full advantage, with a suberb bowed passage standing out for it's raw energy. Connor McRae's drumming was imaginative and even humourous at times. And both horn men, Zack Lozier on the valves and Steve Rogness working the slide, had sublime moments that had the audience cheering. Add in Davina's free flowing piano playing and you have a hugely entertaining and at times surprising band.
But the performance is still dominated by Sowers' voice and personality. And her range of wonderfully eloquent facial expressions. But what a voice she has, so good I could easily run out of adjectives. Powerful, gutsy, bluesy, jazzy, sweet, soaring, emotional, joyous. Her version of Etta James ' "I'd Rather Be Blind" stands comparison with the original and made those small hairs stand to attention from the electricity it generated. And it was a pleasure to hear her own compositions which were in no way inferior to the standards. In between songs Davina entertains the audience in her own scatty fashion, so there's no lull in the enjoyment.
An excellent band, a truly great vocalist, they still have several more performances to go in this year's Festival. Grab a chance to see them if you can.
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