The extremely gifted Lizz Wright graced the Alys Stephens Center’s intimate Sirote Theatre on October 23, 2009 with her gorgeously smoky voice. Wearing a coral dress, a black shawl, and sandals–both of which she later discarded, Wright opened the night with “Old Man.” Her powerful and multifaceted contralto rode the song well, as one could hear a yearning in her voice that effortlessly fused folk and jazz. At one point, Wright stepped away from the microphone and became lost in the music as she danced and lightly tapped her chest–something she would do often that night. Wright’s music is an eclectic mixture of jazz, blues, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, and folk; the way she intertwines the genres are astounding. Her gospel roots could be heard in “I Idolize You,” where the organ backed her soulful voice, and the guitar appeared to “talk” back as her voice floated over the song.

At times, Wright’s voice was emotive, delicately touching the inner chambers of one’s soul and not just their ears. She took the audience on a journey through love, deliverance, and life. Her exquisite vocal arrangements were electrifying, particularly when she sung “Hit the Ground,” a song her “daddy likes” as she put it.

Wright’s voice is lucidly beautiful, raw, and has the power to evoke passion. Her performance was moving, with her voice echoing a sweet tenacity. Wright stole the show with a traditional gospel song, “Walk With Me Lord,” that she blended with smooth jazz. Her voice was pleading and hopeful as the fluidity of the organ pierced the theatre. Mid-performance, Wright pulled off her earrings as she sung “hold my hand Lord,” and reached her hand out for emphasis.

Wright’s voice is pure in its simplicity and depth, a brilliance that can only be cultivated. She sung in different registers, artfully going from low to high. Her vocal arrangements were awesome as she plaintively yearned for love and affection, which were enough to resonate in one’s heart. Wright performed “Another Angel,” “My Heart,” “Stop,” “When I Fall,” “Blue Rose,” “Trouble,” “Coming Home,” “Easy Rider,” “Hey Mann,” “Salt,” and “Thank You.”

A big thanks to Shermika Dunner for reviewing the Lizz Wright show!

Gabriela Montero’s nickname is “La Divina del Piano,” and given Gabriela Montero’s classical keyboard skills, “divine” does not risk exaggeration. Not only is Montero one of the most sound interpreters of the classical piano repertoire, but what sets her apart is her ability to take a well-known piece and offer a fresh improvisational interpretation of it. It’s the kind of style that makes Montero open to taking mid-concert requests.
-The Star-Telegram

Not only is Gabriela Montero one of the most talented young pianists we’ve seen, she’s also known for her amazing improvisational skills. We just received her program for the upcoming October 10 performance and were delighted to see that the entire second half of the program is dedicated to audience suggestions! Fun, huh?

We hope you will come out to support this exciting artist!

G A B R I E L A M O N T E R O, piano

Saturday, October 10 Performance Program

Six Piano Pieces, Op. 118 JOHANNES BRAHMS
Intermezzo in A minor: Allegro non assai, ma molto appassionato (1833 – 1897)
Intermezzo in A Major: Andante teneramente
Ballade in G minor: Allegro energico
Intermezzo in F minor: Allegretto un poco agitato
Romanze in F Major: Andante
Intermezzo in E fl at Major: Andante – Largo e mesto
Sonata No. 1, Op. 22 ALBERTO GINASTERA
Allegro marcato (1916—1983)
Presto misterioso
Adagio molto appassionato
Ruvido ed ostinato

I N T E R M I S S I O N

Improvisations on themes or pieces suggested by audience members

Jewel to perform at the ASC Oct. 30

Jewel Kilcher — simply  “Jewel” to her fans — is as close to living the American dream as anyone can. When I look at this beautiful woman, it’s easy to forget that she was once homeless and performing on the streets for spare change.  Boy, what a difference success makes! Although best known for her music, Jewel has also done some acting, appearing in Ang Lee’s Ride With the Devil, and TV’s 7th Heaven, and has even published a book of poetry called A Night Without Armor. She’s a real renaissance woman for sure.

Even within her music she has explored many different and surprising styles, from her early albums of folk and country, to more mainstream experimentation with pop, dance, and urban.  As a dj, I have even “spun” a few of Jewel’s remixed hits for a dance floor. I think what I admire about her as an artist is that she’s not afraid to take chances, and even when she raised eyebrows with the racy video for her song “Intuition”  (from the 0304 album) she proved she has a sense of humor.

Jewel’s show at the ASC on October 30 will be an entirely  solo acoustic set (her first in 12 years!), so she will be returning to her roots and connecting with the audience as only she can.

Jazz News: Bruce Hornsby Busy with Music, Film, Broadway Musical

So Bruce Hornsby is very busy these days with a new recording, a Broadway show and a Robin Williams film cameo. The show is called “SCKBSTD” and on the producer’s blog I discovered that Hornsby and Nanci Griffith have someone in common. It’s producer and Hornsby manager John Scher, who won the 2009 Tony Award Best Special Theatrical Event for Liza’s at the Palace…. and produced Nanci Griffith on Broadway, two of my favorites.

Check out this short video from Kurt Elling’s new Concord Jazz CD, “Dedicated to You.”

The MercuryNews.com said, “Kurt Elling channels Johnny Hartman.” Now we real jazz singer fans know this is a huge statement. Although Johnny Hartman waxed and waned in the mid 1960’s and Kurt Elling (born in 1967) is well into the second decade of his jazz career, with nine recordings to his credit, it is quite a comparison, and well deserved. Enjoy.

So, how savvy were you?  Here are the answers to our season announcement quizz.

1. Loretta Lynn (Coal Miner’s Daughter)

2. Bela Fleck (it’s a holiday show!)

3. Bruce Hornsby

4. Los Lobos

5. Shawn Colvin

6. David Sedaris

7. Buddy Guy

8. Three Dog Night

9. The Wailers

How many did you answer correctly?

To see the rest of the super hot ASC roster, visit www.AlysStephens.org. Season packages are on sale now!

Some of my most memorable nights at the Alys Stephens Center have not been seated watching a big name performer.  Many have been spent outside in our courtyard listening to a local performer and socialing with friends, both old and new.  That’s why I’m so excited about our new series called AFTER WORK & OUTDOORS.  This series gives us a chance to showcase Birmingham’s great talent.

And, we encourage you to blog in your opinions and comments on these local musicians.  Let’s get a dialogue going – this is your performing arts center after all.

After Work & Outdoors
at the Alys Stephens Center

The perfect way to end your day or start your night!

Every Thursday April 30 – May 21

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Rain or Shine

FREE, No Ticket Required

Experience a different sound every week with live music by Birmingham’s best up-and-coming bands and musicians.

april 30 – chill to the poetry & spoken word of asc artist-in-residence Sharrif Simmons, while enjoying manhattan drink specials and food for sale from Salt: Fine Catering.

may 7 –  get the party started with latin beats and dance lessons from DJ Carlos & Latinsoul Productions. plus, killer margarita specials and food for sale from Saturday Gourmet!

may 14 – grab a cocktail from the martini bar, food from Little Savannah, and groove to local favorites
The Martini Shakers.

may 21 –  enjoy southern mint juleps, food from Jim N Nicks Bar-B-Que, and original newgrass from
The Jason Bailey Band.

▪  Beverages from Good People Brewing Company, Johnnygreenseeds Wines, and Morgan Creek Winery

▪  Great local food for sale from Salt:Fine Catering, Little Savannah, Saturday Gourmet, Whole Foods, and Jim N’ Nicks Bar-B-Que

▪  Ticket Giveaways

▪  Eco-friendly vendors and recycling and composting of event materials

▪  Carpooling is encouraged

Become an ASC Junior Patron and enjoy the JP Lounge complete with complimentary beer & wine and delicious food.

Special thanks to the Emerging Arts Leaders Association, Slow Food – Birmingham, Jones Valley Urban Farm, 100.5 FM, the Southern Environmental Center, ASC’s Junior Patron Board, Alabama State Council on the Arts, Whole Foods, Birmingham Weekly, Good People Brewing, and the new Live 100.5.