On Sunday 16th July the Sunshine Coast Jazz Club (at the Caloundra Power Boat Club) was given a breath of fresh air when NINA & THE GROOVE TRAIN opened the first session with “My Baby Just Cares for Me” followed by the old standards “Love”, Peggy Lee's “Fever” and “Old Devil Moon”. A classic Ray Charles, then a great jazz standard “How High the Moon” had the audience settled for an afternoon of pure enjoyment. Nina sang a beautiful Nancy Wilson ballad “The Masquerade is Over” to rapturous applause. So many songs and NINA sang every song with words and notes clear (NINA is a talent now and for the future). The GROOVE TRAIN musicians were all given time to show their own talents. Graham on Keyboards, Ian on Drums, Glen on Guitar, Nick on Bass, and Connor guest on Sax (a budding young star) were all outstanding. We must also give thanks to our soundman Ben who keeps the sound balanced.
The second set opened with a Sergio Mendes “Mas Que Nada”, Sade's “Smooth Operator” (does anyone remember Sade?), an Ella standard “It's Only a Paper Moon” and then a lovely slow “Georgia” which brought a well-deserved ovation. NINA sang a lovely “Moonglow”. As always, the dancers enjoyed the music as did the audience. NINA finished a memorable afternoon with Louis Armstrong's “What a Wonderful World”.
NINA & THE GROOVE TRAIN - thank you, thank you for a most enjoyable musical afternoon.
REVIEW by Casper the SCJC's secret reviewer.
