An up-and-comer and a came back-er came up back-to-back, sharing a bill one night of the Iridium’s all-female Jazz Vocalists Festival. Brimming with youthful, sunshiney sass and a refreshing sense of joy and fun, Suzanne Peebles has a running start; Elli Fordyce, who began decades ago but took lengthy intermissions, returned a couple of years ago and can bring a lifetime of wisdom to lyrics and jazz-honed skills to make standards swing or glow at low flame. Pianist for both ladies, Barry Levitt, and his combo adapted adeptly, serving musical fresh lemonade and fine wine, respectively and respectfully.

Suzanne opened. This gal has an appealing, mischievous Cheshire Cat grin, but ain’t no copy-cat or cliché sex kitten with “Fever.” She brought fresh phrasing and plucky ideas, and variety line by line: she growled, wailed, pouted, cooed. The more serious songs need more tension and tightening, but she’s surely on her way. She has chops. “Straighten Up and Fly Right” is straight-ahead, spry and spunky; she’s flying high and happy. And she looks sensationally star-worthy. Welcome!

Elli was everywhere in July, but best on Iridium’s stage. Singing from her two excellent CDs, with choices like “Waltz for Debby,” she danced through the standards with grace, old school approach with new twists, and a bit of scatting. Radiating a quiet confidence and no-nonsense approach, she is affable and clearly in love with her chosen material. Understated and sometimes sotte voce, a few sequins were the only “showy” aspect. There’s a more “real” human being on stage, discretely inside the songs and styling.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
July 11, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org