It was 'guys night out'...(... and what does Allen Kanovsky do? He writes about the lady they go to hear!)

Submitted by Al Kanovsky 03/22/14

...and so Michael, Joseph and I opted for Noreena Downey and her duo at the Turnberry Resort in Aventura. Noreena has been a steady Friday night attraction for several months but this was to be her last one for a while. With Noreena were Jeff Padowitz (piano) and George Mazzeo (drums). There are not many combos that are more compatible. The trio speaks the same musical language. Noreena has the knack of using 'different' rhythm patterns than the usual when she does well-known tunes. As an example, "Skylark" done to a samba beat. She also ...reaches back for seldom heard songs like "In My Solitude". She adapts lyrics as well. "Have You Met Miss Jones" becomes "Paul Jones" so the lyric comes from the female point of view. Ms. Downey takes a break, so Jeff and George work on "When You Wish Upon A Star". Noreena returns with "Sometimes" and then a salsified "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". It gets me out of my chair, reaching for her arms and onto the ample dance floor. She can sing, she can scat, she can dance. If she shows up doing magic tricks I may propose. Versatility --- straight ahead JAZZ and standards continue with "On the Street Where You Live", "You Don't Know What Love Is", "New York State of Mind". Have you ever heard "Summertime" done in clave pattern? My friend Joseph requests "Stormy Weather" and Noreena responds with a soulful BLUES version. The trio swings "This Can't Be Love" and the "Look of Love" becomes a 'bolero'. "Straighten Up & Fly Right" has me up and jitterbugging with the animated Ms. Downey. All good things must come to an end (unfortunately) and so the "3 Stooges" wend their way home. We enjoyed every note and hope she returns to the regular Friday night soon.  

Al's Disclaimer:

A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?"       

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