In a dynamic performance at Pizza Express, acclaimed pianist Janette Mason launched her latest album ReWired with a bold reimagining of classic pop hits through a jazz lens. Joined by Tom Mason on double bass, Eric Ford on drums, and Richard Beesley on tenor saxophone, Mason offered an inventive setlist that celebrated the long-standing relationship between jazz and pop music.
During the 1940s and 1950s, many jazz standards originated as popular tunes from Broadway shows, film soundtracks, and chart-topping records. Over time, the two genres diverged. With ReWired, Mason aims to reconnect them, reviving the creative dialogue between jazz and pop.
The evening’s repertoire felt deeply personal, evoking the sounds that shaped Mason’s early musical journey. Songs by Gary Numan, Kate Bush, David Bowie, and the Eurythmics were highlights of the set. A standout moment was the band’s take on The Zombies’ She’s Not There. Mason’s interpretation brought a fresh energy, transforming the original’s tight vocal harmonies and rhythmic drive into a vibrant jazz arrangement.
A particularly moving performance came with Oasis’ Don’t Look Back in Anger. Mason, who has previously performed with the band, opened the song with a sparse, lyrical piano solo. As the tempo lifted, she wove subtle blues elements into the arrangement, adding depth and texture to the familiar anthem.
Mason also gave a nod to contemporary pop with a striking jazz rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s Good 4 U. Stripped of its polished studio production and youthful angst, the song revealed a rich musical structure. Angular melodies, syncopated rhythms, and powerful drum breaks created a thrilling backdrop for Beesley’s standout saxophone solo, which blended seamlessly with Ford’s agile cymbal work.
Interwoven with these reimagined pop hits were selections from the Great American Songbook. The band delivered tasteful renditions of classics like Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered and Lullaby of Birdland, chosen for their melodic strength and emotional resonance. Guest vocalist Claire Martin added sultry flair with a moody version of Blue Moon, while The Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby—long since adopted into the jazz repertoire—was given a fresh spin, echoing The Jazz Crusaders’ iconic 1968 recording.
With ReWired, Janette Mason not only pays tribute to the enduring appeal of pop melodies but also proves their potential for transformation. Her performance was a celebration of musical crossover, full of inventive arrangements and heartfelt interpretations that brought jazz and pop together on equal footing.
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