Arts & Entertainment
Jazz pioneer Anita O'Day reprised at Dec. 7 show in Redwood City
The Melanie O'Reilly Jazz Quartet performs O'Day's music at Angelica's, including songs from O'Day's Christmas album
Singer Melanie O’Reilly performs music of jazz pioneer Anita O’Day at Angelicas Bistro in Redwood City on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.
In honor of the season, the program will include music from O’Day’s Christmas Album. Singer O’Reilly will be accompanied by renowned musicians Frank Martin on piano, Fred Randolph on bass, and Jack Dorsey on drums.
The performance takes place at the Bell Stage Dining room of Angelicas Supper Club, 863 Main Street, Redwood City 94063. Tickets are $15.00 online at http://angelicasllc.com/event.cfm?id=181338&cart, or $21 at the door.
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In this unique show, Melanie celebrates the legendary Irish-American jazz vocalist Anita O’Day. Interspersing narration between the songs, Melanie tells the story of O’Day, who was born to Irish parents in Kansas City, wanted to be a jazz singer, and refused to let anything stop her. She went on to become one of the world’s greatest jazz singers, captured in the iconic film documentary Jazz on a Summer’s Day at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.
O’Reilly’s riveting performance, which garnered four-star reviews at the international Edinburgh Fringe Festival, brings new life to the memory of the great jazz vocalist, and pays tribute to one her great musical inspirations.
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This special December show will have a Christmas flavor to it: O’Reilly will also perform songs from O’Day’s Christmas album.
O’Reilly’s performances of O’Day’s work have been a recurring hit at Angelicas Bistro. O’Reilly has garnered rave reviews internationally.
“The show is a celebration, and O’Reilly makes every number her own ... effortlessly, rhythmic backbeats, sultry, soulful, crooning in virtuoso style. **** ”
—Three Weeks Daily“The ideal soundtrack to a hot summer night.”
—Edinburgh Fringe Festival
“Melanie O’Reilly’s tribute ... remains true, unsentimental yet affectionate, and it really swung … lithe, soulful vocals.”
— Jim Gilchrist / The Scotsman
And the San Jose Mercury-News published this review:
http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_26390222/celtic-jazz-singer-singer-honors-anita-oday
Video: Watch Melanie live at the California Jazz Conservatory (formerly the Jazzschool), Berkeley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skqVqxkayfw
