Smooth and soulful jazz from this talented duo slowly hypnotises the audience into silence. Tina Fullerton plays the double bass and provides seductively silky vocals with the animated Warwick Hargreaves on guitar. Bringing original tunes as well as imaginative covers of their favourites, Out of Abingdon produce a unique and relaxed set.
Listening to Fullerton's warm, breathy voice is like being dipped in melted dark chocolate. She plays the bass at the same time, tapping her foot and bending notes for a dynamic and distinctive sound. Hargreaves' blues guitar is mesmerising, fingers moving incredibly fast, apparently effortlessly, moving his entire body as he plays with fluid energy. His husky voice complements hers, though it verges on too soft at times. Neither musician dominates, taking turns to lead numbers. Both are balanced and mellow.
It's refreshing to have the double bass at the forefront instead of lurking in the background: Fullerton brings it to the spotlight. With only the bass and guitar, the duo by no means suffer for their simplicity, creating infectiously rhythmic percussion out of their own instruments. They play a variety of styles, from R&B to Tom Waits, although all songs are marked with their own signature style. They avoid choosing crowd-pleasing obvious pieces, often creating their own interpretations of other Australian contemporary bands, mashing up lyrics and melodies to produce something entirely new. They clearly enjoy what they do, and their easy enthusiasm makes this gig a soothing, sonic pleasure.
