Dressed in a black sheath dress swathed in pink feathers with the familiar white camellia over her left ear, show business legend Julie Wilson made her entrance to a warm reception by an admiring crowd. Her multiple careers in musical theater, soap opera, cabaret and records over half a century are a tribute to her talent and her ability to endure.

Billie Holiday was an old and treasured friend of Wilson’s, and all the songs in her show had a connection to the iconic singer. Ms. Wilson does not sing so much as talk melodiously with great effect. Ellington's "I've Got it Bad and That Ain't Good," Cole Porter's "All of Me," and "The Very Thought of You" by Ray Noble were all performed effortlessly. Songs of lament, "Don't Complain" and "Body and Soul," were featured as Ms. Wilson caressed the lyrics, evoking an emotional response throughout the room. "Billie's Blues," a classic Holiday composition, moved the audience with its blues-y sentiment.

When Wilson was on stage, she had a powerful presence which held the audience at rapt attention. It was clear we were all captured by her.  Pianist and musical director Christopher Denny was more than an accompanist to Wilson; he was a partner in creating the atmosphere.

Ms. Wilson will be appearing at the Metropolitan Room through March 7^th, and again from March 11^th to 14^th.  There are few artists like her.

Seymour Spilka
Cabaret Scenes
March 4, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org