Conference 7.286::jazz

740.0. "Lady Day @ Emerson's Bar & Grille!" by NPSS::PEPE () Fri Feb 21 1997 18:57

    This is a must see for Billie Holiday fans or those who appreciate
    the roots of her music.  The play entitled, "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar
    & Grille", now playing at the Merrimack Repertory Theater, Lowell,
    MA, through March 9, is a 2-act tribute to Billie Holiday.  I saw
    it last night and was overwhelmed with the artistry!  Lady Day is
    portrayed by actress, Gail Nelson who is superb in the role.  She is an
    excellent actress as well as a beautiful singer. She and her 2 sidemen, 
    Paul Brown (bass) and Danny Holgate (piano) are the only characters in the 
    play which takes place in a bar in South Philadelphia.  The character 
    recounts several highlights and low points about the life of Lady Day 
    talking to the audience throughout the play with a very moving performance
    mixed with touching moments and funny recollections.  All of this is 
    interspersed with selected songs from the Billie Holiday book, including a
    super rendition of 'God Bless The Child' during the 2nd act.  
    
    The two musicians behind her are wonderful!  They start off the 2nd act
    with a blues original that knocked me out.  The bassist has great
    intonation displaying a very crafty vibrato and sliding technique and the
    piano player.... well, he made an old upright piano sound like a
    Steinway grand!
    
    The play's opening tune will lift you off your seat and the closing
    scene will set you back on your heels.... IMHO. 
    
    -RP-