Live Review: Megan Washington & WAAPA Jazz Students

Two-time ARIA Award winner Megan Washington goes back to her jazz roots to perform with a talented ensemble of WAAPA musicians and singers who help bring her songs to life on the Geoff Gibbs Theatre stage.

Washington started her career in jazz back in the mid- to late-noughties, before she evolved her music into the more indie-pop sound we now know her for and it was refreshing to see her going back to where it all started.

With the sound of saxophones and trumpets in the air, WAAPA's big band got into the groove of Vince Jones song Budgie.

Emerging from behind the curtain, Washington graced the stage in a loose-fitting black dress with red heels and lipstick. Gone is her signature pixie haircut, she's now rocking an almost-shoulder-length 'do. As she swayed to her own beat while smiling, Washington and band kicked off with the beautiful piano melody from Frank Sinatra's Cheek To Cheek before soft drums were taken over by soulful trumpets and cheeky saxophones.

With her hands on the piano, Washington's stutter was barely noticeable as she spoke and told stories while lightly playing the keys. With her hair draped over her face, she got lost in the powerfully emotional Skeleton Key. She paused, as if she forgot a note, "Well this is awkward, it's never happened to me. Oh well, this never happened," she said nervously before continuing to play, unfazed.

The vocal ensemble was incredible during Imogen Heap's Hide And Seek; a stripped-back version with no instruments, just vocals harmonising to create a heavenly sound. How To Tame Lions and To Or Not Let Go were captivating as the ensemble sang along with Washington, giving her songs new life while she played the piano. Washington kept the audience on their toes and told the story of Bokito: a gorilla who falls in love with a woman, but then crushes her with his loving embrace. The beautiful tragic story inspired her song The Ballad Of Bokito And Petronella, which stirred up emotions with its soft melody. As the night drew to a close, Holy Moses stole the show thanks to its infectious up-beat tempo.

Washington's performance was mesmerising, emotional and joyful as she shared the stage with brilliant musicians who made her songs shine.