Last summer, singer and songwriter Polly Gibbons released her ninth album, ‘As It Is’. A departure from straight-ahead swinging jazz, this is her first album of all-original songs written, arranged and produced by Polly and co-produced by long-time musical collaborator and artistic director at Ronnie Scott’s, James Pearson.

“This is my ninth studio album, but in many ways, it feels like my first,” reports Polly. “I have co-written songs with others in the past and have been writing songs for years, but until now, I hadn’t quite found the courage to take command and write, arrange and produce a body of work that is all my own brainchild.”

Polly has forged a successful career on the international jazz circuit spanning nearly two decades, she won “Best Jazz Artist Of The Year” at the Boisdale Jazz Awards 2023, has been nominated as “Best Jazz Vocalist” on separate occasions by the BBC and Jazz FM and compared to a female version of Gregory Porter by US magazine Downbeat.

‘As It Is’ showcases Polly’s masterful skills as a songwriter, incorporating a wider range of her influences, referencing Soul, Gospel and RnB as well as her grounding in Jazz, to create a blend of genres. Recorded at Old Jet studios in Polly’s native Suffolk and mixed by childhood friend and Keane band member Jesse Quin, ‘As It Is’ is a body of work showcasing Polly’s wide-ranging talents and lyrical depth. Facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Polly found solace in song-writing and playing the piano, using the period of isolation and introspection to craft and develop her deeply personal and emotionally resonant album, resulting in a powerful, reflective body of work that connects with listeners on a profound level.

Lead single, ‘Man of Moderation’, pays tribute to Polly’s father, who faced disillusionment after a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis following a lifetime of hard work, and features Hammond organ and soul-fuelled gospel melodies performed by members of Polly’s family. Second single ‘Disappointed’ is a funk inspired song which acknowledges that beyond the hurt at the ending of a relationship, disappointment was the lingering feeling. “Maybe I Was Wrong” is an upbeat and lightly sarcastic and playfully questions the decision to end a relationship. “Couldn’t We Just” and “It’s Hard To Love,” explore vulnerability, loneliness and post-breakup processing. Polly’s delicate vocals in ‘Melonpolly’ lends themselves to introspection, while the title refers to her childhood nickname, “melonhead.”

‘The Hare and the Toilet Seat’ highlights Polly’s versatility through stream-of-consciousness writing and performance poetry, using a repetitive modular synth. ‘He’s a Something Man’ is a smouldering bluesy song that delves into both the allure and anger of a failed relationship. The album ends with the hopeful ‘Towards the Sun’, reflecting on the power of the sun and the potential for healing, and ‘In Only Love’, urging empathy and understanding toward humanitarian crises.

Click here to visit Polly’s website

 

Clonter is delighted to be offering two nights, back to back for its Jazz audience this May/June.

James Pearson will be making his annual trip north, together with the remainder of his trio, and special guests.

 

 

Ticket Pricing & Booking Information

Tickets £26, £32, £38, £43, FREE for 26-year-olds and under (ID may be required) – 5% Discount if booked in conjunction with Jazz in June – James Pearson & Friends

Group Discount (10% Discount) 10+

U3A Discount (10% Discount)

Doors Open 6.30pm

Performance Starts 7.30pm

Interval 30 minutes

Drink Arrangements – Please note that any drink consumed inside the premises must be purchased from the bar. For Friends and Patrons of Clonter who wish to bring their own drink, a corkage fee of £4 per person will apply (payable in advance on 01260 224514).

Dining Options –  Hot bar snacks – Sausage rolls, and cheese and onion pasties, locally made (Mandevilles of Holmes Chapel) – available, or bring your own pre-performance (indoor) picnic.

N.B. Table and catering booking facilities close a week before the performance date. Pre-order drinks facilities close at 4pm on the Wednesday before the performance.