I guess you can say Melody Gardot was ‘Entre eux deux’ and hundreds of others last night.

Entre eux deux is the name of her latest album and the disc was on full display at The Jazz Festival. It is Melody’s first collaborative effort and she brought along the collaborator on the road with her.

Brasilian pianist Philippe Powell was the yin to Gardot’s yang. The studio connection between the two recorded during the lock downs was evident on stage as well. The pair, connected with mutual adoration for each other’s talent and that ‘love affair’ made the music soar.

At times, the banter on stage bordered on cheesy yet who minds the cheese when the pepperoni is so tasty. ‘This Foolish Heart Could Love You’ may be a subliminal message or it may not. Powell’s emotions tickled the keys while Gardot’s vocals enhanced the echo. ‘Plus Forte Que Nous’ showcased Gardot’s impeccable mastery of the French language and pronunciation.

A lady from Pennsylvania, an American mastering a foreign language is very foreign indeed. Given the album was done in Paris – ‘when in France do as Romans do’.

Brasilian music and American Jazz may seem an odd mix. ‘Perhaps You’ll Wonder Why’, a Gardot / Powell composition answered that question. Backed by an orchestra who were headliners on their own – eyes closed; a classic record heard through pristine headphones was the non – guilty pleasure for two hours.