The Howard Assembly Room is an intimate venue adorned with ornate wooden panels reminiscent of organ pipes. The seated audience is welcomed by Joan, pin sharp in a red suit, and quickly entranced by the first song of a complex, genre-bending set.
Joan as Police Woman is the stage name of multi-instrumentalist Joan Wasser who plays piano, keyboard and guitar onstage in addition (delivering vocals with an incredible range) to her melodic vocals. Joan guides us through the night with the support of her extremely tight band comprising Parker Kindred on drums, Kyle Miles on bass and Eric Lane on keys. We are taken on a tour of life in the nearly two-hour set, moving through genres and themes in the expert hands of Wasser.
The evening is promoting Wasser’s latest album, The Solution is Restless; an album created in collaboration with musician/producer Dave Okumu and the late Tony Allen, Nigerian composer and drummer. The album came to life through various jamming sessions, and performed live, conjures the feeling of a speak easy – solos from bassist Miles and brass samples from the keys took us out of north Leeds to other countries and times altogether.
Wasser deftly moves the audience from one era and location to another; covers and original pieces allowed the audience to dance in their seats one moment and contemplate the larger themes of life the next. Wasser’s opening piece, Get my Bearings, sets the tone for the evening as one of questioning; of not accepting the status quo, but pushing for genuine feeling and living life. This is matched by her easy rapport with the audience. At intervals throughout the set, she asks questions, seeks answers and enjoys the mood of the room. A bottle falls, loudly clanking, and we hear how she loves it when this happens in a yoga class. Towards the end of the set, Wasser encourages the audience to enjoy the rest of summer and do “bad things”.
Wasser is a seasoned performer who is at home on the stage, the stages of her career and her artistic output hint at someone who is genuinely curious and enthralled at the possibilities of her craft. Her eclectic style takes us through jazz to pop, with numbers from her Covers album showing her respect for other’s musical talents/outputs.
This is a very special gig – intimate, evocative, and moving. Joan as Police Woman gives a powerful and near flawless performance whilst taking her audience on an unforgettable journey.
Reviewed on 21st August 2022.
