Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells
Review by Martine Silkstone
The Apex welcomed ‘A Couple of Swells’ to the stage on Sunday night as Joe Stilgoe (singer, songwriter and pianist) and Liza Pulman (Fascinating Aïda) brought their highly entertaining tour to Bury St Edmunds.
This show is a must-see for any jazz/swing fans, as the talented duo perform an array of classic tunes from the Great American Songbook - along with a few of Joe’s own compositions - finding joy in sharing the songs that they (and we) love.
But while you go for the wonderful music, you get so much more…
For alongside the works of Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein etc, you are also treated to some interesting information about the legendary songwriters, lots of gentle comedy banter between two good friends, and some cheeky audience participation…not to mention Joe’s impromptu impression of Donald Trump (it’s great, so great!)
Opening the show - Liza stunning in a blue satin jumpsuit, Joe in what can only be described as magnificent trousers - we have an uplifting duet of ‘Stepping out with my Baby’, and immediately the audience knows it can settle in for a fantastic night.
A few of the highlights for me…
Liza’s bluesy rendition of Johnny Mercer’s ‘I Had Myself A True Love’, Joe’s velvet-voiced version of ‘Blackbird’ by Paul McCartney, and their fabulous duet of ‘You’re Just in Love’ - a personal favourite of mine since watching the musical, ‘Call Me Madam’, as a young girl.
The best moment, however, had to be when Joe (annoyingly talented by this point) then stepped away from his grand piano to play the double base for an unamplified duet with Liza, who finished the piece with an extraordinary display on the kazoo (yes, really). Instrument expertise aside, I found their singing voices even more beautiful without the use of microphones – softer somehow without the interference of electronics. Ultimately, when you’re as good as these guys, you don’t need to mess around with the sound!
I have noticed this phenomenon before, when playing the albums of favourite singers. Occasionally, they seem ‘over-produced’, thereby removing the magical vocal quality that each performer demonstrates when seen live.
But I digress…
Towards the end, we were treated to Joe’s trademark suggestions-from-the-audience mash up. How he remembers what has been shouted out is beyond me, let alone the astonishing display of musical prowess required to blend Moon River with Ace of Spades. Bravo!
In summary, a simply great show - not just musically sublime but warmly funny too.
All round entertainment for anyone who loves good music, good banter, and great performers.
Note: Is it just me or does The Apex have more of an ‘atmosphere’ these days? While it’s an impressive venue on many levels, I found it a little clinical when it first opened but now the ambience has definitely improved. Whether through lighting, stage dressing or just time, it has become a great place to see shows of all genres!
A Couple of Swells continues to tour the country until 26 June 2025, with its next stop in London.
FOR FULL TOUR DETAILS, CLICK HERE