Singers give voice to the emotions we all encounter

JULIA Deans, Bella Kalolo and Mel Parsons entertained an appreciative audience with some strong honest songs sung under smoky downlights in Knox Church on Thursday.

They were clearly disappointed not to get the participation from the audience they wanted, which made their onstage repartee a little forced.

However, they had a raft of offbeat jokes, which got some belly laughs.

For the most part, the audience was only too happy just to listen to their playlist showcasing their heart and talent over a range of styles.

The repertoire was grouped into sections of three songs exploring the gamut of human emotions.

‘‘Mothers’’ included three powerful songs about our neversimple relationships with our own mothers and exmothersinlaw. Deans’ revision of Not Your Girl Anymore , Kalolo’s My Mother’s Eyes , in which she channels Aretha Franklin, and Parsons’ Blame, directed to someone else, were all surprisingly new takes on perennial issues.

The ‘‘rock bottom’’ section was highlighted by Deans’ Somebody Else’s Story, a patient’s response to news of terminal cancer. With skin in the game, Deans confronts the story headon with admirable strength and superb sensitivity.

The ‘‘happy’’ section included

Found in Translation Knox Church Thursday, April 15

The Power of Little Things, with its infectious happiness, sung by the trio. These songs were less convincing, pointing, sadly, to the intrinsic power of sad songs. However, Kalolo’s moody O Moon highlighted her ability to look inwards and her great voice. The premiere of Parsons’ ballad to her new son covered the emotional gambit of unconditional love.

Kalolo’s a cappella cover of Behind the Wall by Tracy Chapman was effective, though a little off key at the end.

An encore of Tutira Mai Nga Iwi closed an evening of brilliant songs, written with passion and strength. Deans’ uniquely expressive guitar accompaniments highlighted her, Parsons’ and Kalolo’s songs.