Submitted by Al Kanovsky 05/22/14
...difficult choice. I am supposed
to write reviews about live JAZZ & BLUES. Last night created a quandry. Do I
write about the music or the Miracle? Flatted fifths or Faith? Every one of us
has lost someone. I believe most of us have prayed. Was it G-d that made the
decision for Maria Rivas or was it 21st century medicine. In October the doctors
at Baptist Hospital, told her she was literally dying and could be gone in days.
They could administer a newly discovered chemo therapy which would result in
hair loss and discomfort and a cure or she could do nothing and allow Death and
his Sceptre take her. She prayed to Mother Mary. She prayed for her to speak to
her son on her behalf. Last night was the testimony to the Power of Prayer. An
overflowing audience of friends of fans crowded BLue Jeans BLUES. All were there
to hear Maria. And did they!!!
I have been a fan for 6 years and have probable been at 60
or so performances. Maria was the featured vocalist when Flo threw me a surprise
80th birthday party. Last night was super-special. Her voice has never been
better. Her dynamic projection and stage presence was that of a true star. Danny Burger's Musicians Showcase was honored to have her. Brian Murphy and Jaimie
Ousley have played with her before. Not ever like last night. There was noone in
the house that was not inspired by this diminutive woman whose spirit is
indefatigable. She started her program with "We'll Be Together Again" singing
not only of the phyical but the metaphysical as well. A powerful delivery told
Maria's story. She followed with "Our Love Is Here To Stay". She employed her
Venezuelan scat style and qouted "My Momma Done Tol' Me". You must hear Maria's
tale about coffee to really enjoy her rendition of "Night In Tunisia". She
provides a lyric and scat portion, a little bit of Louis Armstrong voice and
Brian provides a creative be-bop solo. Jaimie picks up Brians vibe and delivers
on his own. The beautiful ballad "My Romance" slows the pace but does not
decrease the heat level of her performance. Seated in front of me are two women.
Karen & Jody. They are long-time Maria fans. Seated with me are my pals Bill
Rutan and Dr. Jules Oaklander. Dr. Jules has brought the lovely Maria Garza. Ms.
Garza is a mezzo-soprano operatic star. She had never heard Maria before and was
more than impressed. Danny, Brian and Jaimie do an instrumental interlude. Danny
says they'll do one more before having Maria returns. Not if it's up to Maria.
She returns to the stage to do Cole Porter's "Night and Day", followed by
Joabim's "One Night Samba". She does "Autumn Leaves" in Spanish and English,
swinging all the way. Maria sings "Funny Valentine" in an unusual funky/BLUES
rhythm to end the set. Nanami Irikawa has joined our table. The sad Argentinian
ballad "Alfonsina de el Mar" is chosen to open the 2d set. Maria transmits the
message with the true feeling of a woman with a broken heart. They start "It
Might As Well Be Spring". She realizes it's not her key. Without pause and
scatting through the modulation 'til they reach "C" Maria shows what being a
professional means. She owns the stage. Brian and Jaimie are swinging
creatively. Maria explains that in her native land they have something called
"chinchora". It's basis is the idiom of the travails of people whoe were brought
to the Americas in chains. The song is "Summertime". Not as you are used to
hearing it. She starts it with a scat portion. The rhythm is solid 'funk'. The
band "boogies on down" with Maria intoning quotes from the musical "Hair". At
the conclusion the house is on its collective feet. "The Girl From Ipanema"
gives Maria a chance to show off her unique phrasing talent. Alejandro Campos,
Maria's long time music director and composer, sits down at the piano for Marias
singing of "Catalan". After the song, Maria does a bit of a soliliquy, speaking
about the natural beauty of Venezuela and about how 'faith' is the most precious
medicine. When they resume, they swing "All the Things You Are". "pardon me
Miss"---the young lady is Vicky Froehler and she agrees to dance with me. She is
also a long time Maria fan as well as knowing how to 'cut a rug'. Earlier, prior
to Maria, I had danced 'salsa' with my friend Isabel. The last set opens with
Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life". Anyone who has spent as much time in 'joints' as
I have appreciates the melodic line and lyric in a special way. It would not be
a Maria Rivas evening without "Besame Mucho". This is totally her song. She owns
it, in every sense of the word. The rhythm is salsa. Shoulders shaking all over
the house. Maria ends the tune with a scatting cadenza. "Quiet Nights and Quiet
Stars" is done in both Portuges and English. She intones Portugese as if it is
her native tongue. Jaimie delivers a tender and emotional solo. Nanami is
sitting with me and we are in Jaimies direct line of sight. You have to know
that he is playing for her. Maria puts the fingers of one hand into the pocket
of her jeans and shows a bit of 'tude'. Danny sets a funky rhythm which Brian
and Jaimie pick up. The tune "You Don't Know What Love Is". She scats the BLUES.
There could have been no better way to end this incredible night of music and
display of courage.
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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