The Bay Area Cabaret series pulled off a major jazz coup by presenting six-time Grammy nominee Nnenna Freelon and I know it's only March, but this show made my Top Ten list from the opening number, "Sometimes I'm Happy." Backed by a superb jazz quartet, Freelon is at the top of her game—a marvelous voice, great organic arrangements, plenty of soul and true jazz innovation. Her interpretations of Cole Porter's "I Love You," the jazz classic "Body and Soul" and "Angel Eyes" dazzle the listener with her energy, intelligence and rhythm. Freelon moves you like few others and works the stage with the grace of a gazelle and the power of a lioness. She shows her wit on "If I Only Had a Brain" and "I Feel Pretty" and took "America the Beautiful" for an emotional jazz turn. She swings like nobody else on Cole Porter's "Get Out of Town" and takes it down with Bobby Troup and Leah Worth's gorgeous "Meaning of the Blues." Pianist Joel Holmes, drummer Adonis Rose and bassist Wayne Batchelor matched Freelon's high-quality performance note for note. Percussionist Beverly Botsford added a unique perspective to every number, playing a host of unusual instruments (shekere, congas, dundun, cuica, swirling braids) that elevated this show to top echelon status. I'm sure it's just another superb outing for Nnenna Freelon, but those in attendance will not soon forget this very special show.
Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
March 8, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org
|
