Madeleine Peyroux And the Kent Stage

 

 

Last Monday I had the chance to see jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux perform live for the first time, and a big thanks to my friend Katie for the opportunity. Have you ever been to the Kent Stage? The acoustics are amazing there, perhaps the best in Northeast Ohio. I'm usually very impressed by them anyway, but for a somewhat intimate little jazz show they were incredible.

It's only 642 seats, and that works for most acts I want to see. And I wanted to see Peyroux. I've always been a fan, I mean back from the early days when I was wondering who is that new singer whose phrasing reminds me of Billie Holiday. She still does a little, but she has also clearly developed her own stylings. She did do a Billie song, the somewhat obscure to the masses but pretty well known to her fans This Is Heaven To Me. It was wonderful, reminiscent of Holiday but not simply a copy.

She also did a few Leonard Cohen covers, one of her french tunes and a smattering of other songs from all over. Her Guitarist and Upright Bassist were incredibly tight. The Guitarist, whose name I didnt catch, was damn good. A number of understated but impressive solos.

So if you get a chance to see her, or go to the Kent Stage. Do it.