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MP3 The Follen Angels - Jazz Divas: The Songs of Ella, Peggy & Billie
14 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz Vocals, JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo
Details:
The Follen Angels developed the Jazz Divas show for their November 2004 engagement at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston. The idea was to salute three vocalists, masters of jazz, who helped define the idiom. There were a number of extraordinary women to choose among, but after much discussion, they opted for the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday. The three shared not only amazing musical talents, but also many life circumstances. All were born in the early part of the twentieth Century, had difficult childhoods, and the innate abilities and gumption to add new complexities to the art of jazz. Each of these women have received countless honors and awards. Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday were inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame, while Ella and Peggy Lee was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Peggy was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The Follen Angels resonate with each of these women’s love of music and the freedom to create and innovate. Ella said, “The only thing better than singing is more singing. ….I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly from the horns.” Nothing could be more evident of this than Ella’s rendering of, “How High the Moon.” Ella was not above feeling star struck, herself. Once, when Billie Holiday was playing at the Opera House nearby, Ella sheepishly went over to ask for her autograph.
Billie was an innovator in altering phrasing and rhythm, long before it became the norm in jazz. She said, “I hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That’s all I know.” Jeanne Moreau said of her, “She could express more emotion in one chorus than most actresses can in three acts.” Billie’s own composition, “God Bless The child” says everything about pain and lack of freedom and the vulnerability of a child in those haunting lyrics.
And Miss Peggy Lee was a sensual, intelligent, hip and nuanced performer. Her breathy, quiet style gave the impression of “been there, done that.” Many of the songs she chose to perform were every bit as intense as those of Billie Holiday. Her prowess as a composer was anything but laid back: she wrote hundreds of songs. She not only wrote, “He’s a Tramp” for the Disney film, “Lady and the Tramp” but took on the corporation in a lawsuit and won for her share of royalties.
These talented and determined women, and what’s behind their music, inspired the Angels. Their aim was not to imitate, but to pay homage. The love and pleasure of this show can be heard by the Angels’ performance and their audience’s response on this CD. Enjoy!
The Follen Angels are a unique, dynamic and versatile group of Cabaret Artists who perform American and International Cabaret music as well as Jazz and Broadway songs. Their shows always include witty and informative stories and anecdotes. The group originated at Longy School of Music, on Follen Street in Cambridge Massachusetts: thus, the play on words. The Angels perform at theaters and jazz clubs as well as for private and corporate events. They have been featured and interviewed on radio and often received the coveted “pick of the week” from major newspaper entertainment guides. The Follen Angels are sophisticated, high energy and always entertaining.
Hildy Grossman earned a Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance from Longy. Called a “Natural” jazz singer, she credits her feel for jazz and cabaret to her father, who owned a nightclub outside of Cincinnati. She grew up observing many famous performers, from Lena Horne to Tony Bennett. Ron Della Chiesa, of WGBH radio says, “She has that fast vibrado of all the greats.”
Rieko Tanaka was born in Sizuoka, Japan and began playing piano at three. She “owns the piano”, playing everything from honky-tonk to classical piano. Rieko has a Masters from New England Conservatory and an Artists Diploma from Longy. She was a soloist with symphony orchestras in Japan and the US. She teaches at U Mass, Dartmouth and Winchester Music School. Gershwin is still her favorite!
Ken Dantzig studied drums at Hartt School of Music. He performed in clubs and resorts with his own musical groups and asa guest artist. He has recorded at RCA and other studios. Ken’s style as a drummer has been compared to Gene Krupa. But that’s not all! He’s also a radio and TV talent who has appeared in Hartford, Boston and Providence. His good humor keeps the rest of the Angels in stitches.
Micaela Grossman She earned a Certificate in Jazz Studies at the New England Conservatory, High School Division and also studied at New York University’s Tish School for the Dramatic Arts. One reviewer said, “Youthful though she may be, Micaela’s composure and stillness on stage could be a lesson to the famous It’s a great thrill for mother and daughter to perform together as “Angels.”
Jeremy Udden plays sax and is “among the best players in town” (The Boston Phoenix). His deeply felt blues, jouous swing and high speed improv deepen the excitement of the Angels’ performances. He completed world tours of Russia, Italy, Ethiopia and China, and plays with his own quintet, the Grammy nominated Ether/Orchestra.
Jef Charland graduated from Berklee College. He’s one of the most in-demand acoustic bass players known for playing with cool sensitivity to rapid fire. He plays in several jazz groups and has played at numerous venues from The Boston Hatch Shell to the Montreal Jazz Festival. The only thing more radiant than his playing, is his smile.
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