Dane Figueroa Edidi obviously likes to perform with plenty of company.  Besides his mother, there were the band, the spirits of his ancestors and those of audience members who were willing to conjure up their own antecedents. He refers to himself as the “Ancient Jazz Priestess of Mother Africa,” striving to “feel the African rhythms” and allowing his body to be “moved by the Spirit.”

Clad in a grass skirt, rotating his hips and torso to the pulsing Afro-Cuban rhythm of “Monkey and the Elephant” (Vin Scilla), Edidi slowly progressed to the stage, segueing into “Libations” (Edidi & Scilla), a kind of drinking song for past lives. Together with the enthusiastic playing of the four-piece band, the scene suggested a cross between “Quiet Village” (Les Baxter & Martin Denny) and Bobby McFerrin.

Although his family roots are Nigerian, Cuban and Native American, the program went beyond ethnic boundaries and incorporated the songs of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, George Gershiwn, DuBois Heyward. Edidi sang these classic standards well, particularly “The Nearness of You” (Ned Washington/Hoagy Carmichael), his presentation straightforward, conveying real feeling.

There were several unique moments throughout the show, such as “Unafraid,” a beautiful and evocative blues ballad written by the singer, and “Together Wherever We Go” (Sondheim/Styne from Gypsy), featuring the talented Sean Patrick Doyle (La Cage aux Folles) in a duet. Edidi’s second guest vocalist was his mother, Linda Figueroa, who participated in a wonderful medley of blues songs, including two associated with Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.  Ms. Figueroa’s powerful voice reminded one of Bessie Smith. Ellington and Strayhorn would have loved the raucous rendition of “Take the ‘A’ Train.”

Edidi was supported by an exceptional ensemble of musicians – Vin Scilla and Hasan Bakr on percussion, Lars Potteiger on piano and Dan Asher on bass.  They not only captured the exotic and primitive mood in the opening, but laid down a perfect foundation for the beloved songs of the Great American Songbook.

Dane Figueroa Edidi is a gifted performer with an impressive ability to act across the spectrum.  One might quibble with the absence of a central theme, but it’s difficult to imagine a better opportunity to survey his music.

Jerry Osterberg
Cabaret Scenes
June 27, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org