Yoshis is such a beautiful environment to see and hear music. I had dinner in the restaurant prior to the performance and I find that having dinner and then going to enjoy the show is the best way to experience a wonderful evening of music.

 

All of today’s and yesterday's legends grace the walls of Yoshis. Illuminated on the wall is one of the many large, gorgeous black and white photographs taken from performances here at Yoshis. The one in the spotlight tonight is of Dee Dee Bridgewater. I ran into her drummer at the Waterfront hotel across the way the day before. His name is Minino Garay and he is from Paris, which reminds me of the importance of this project that blends French song with American music and vice versa. What is so important, you say? Well, think in terms of humans, music and cultures all relating together. The jazz scene is very different here than it is in Europe. When American musicians and artists travel abroad and play, their craft is embraced and the arrival of their performance is awaited. Americans don’t always show the same enthusiasm, probably due to lack of exposure of the European artists on this continent.

Dee Dee Bridgewater has two loves: America and Paris. Both have made a significant contribution to the history of music, which is why, I would imagine, that Dee Dee has released the new CD “J’ai Deux Amours”, in both French and English; by players from both countries--to unify the music, the musicians, the composers, the lyricist and the people who made the music rise to fame. On accordion is Marc Berthoumieux , Louis Winsberg on lead guitar, Ira Coleman on bass and Minino Garay on drums and percussion.

Here in America, we are not usually accustomed to hearing the sound or the use of the accordion in jazz music. She said, “You all are a brave bunch, because what you are about to be inundated with is a lot of French.” The accordion replaced the piano in the band, adding to a distinct blend that smells, sounds and tastes like it's roasted to perfection!

Dee Dee is so delightful and full of spirit, music and love, you can’t help but smile in her presence. The musicians have come up with the musical ideas and arrangement of the tunes which are quite familiar, but whose true historical origins were about to be revealed!

The first piece and title of the album, “J’ai Deux Amours”, was written for Josephine Baker. Did you know that “I Wish You Love” was originally written in French? “Beyond the Sea” was made popular by Bobby Darin, but the French version was the original. All of these facts and many more little delectable treats were shared by Dee Dee to help us realize how close the two worlds really are!

Dee Dee, like most of the jazz community and those who love jazz in general, received the news that our great and beloved Shirley Horn had just passed. She was obviously deeply affected by the loss, but the brilliance and personality of her own presence on stage shined through like a prism!

Dee Dee looked like a sweet, juicy Georgia peach in a flawless dress that she said had a bead or two that was missing. She was communicating with all of the women in the audience about dress experiences when she said, “This is the last dress that I am going to buy because I am tired of the beads falling off.” All of the men know that this isn’t a true statement because she looks so good in them!

One of my favorite albums is “After Hours” by Nina Simone, but she does a piece called, “Ne Me Quitte Pas”, ("If You Go Away") from her album “I Put a Spell on You” that truly displays a woman’s pain. This is such a heartfelt and very emotional tune and Nina sings it straight from the core. Dee Dee pays tribute to her and performs it like a theatrical play. As a matter of fact, every time I see Dee Dee perform, I am not just watching a jazz singer, but a musical performance artist. She has a very powerful stage presence that you don’t get to experience with many other singers. Watching her perform is like being transformed into a French playhouse. Her sensual and charming personality has always come across as fun and playful. She makes you feel comfortable and longing to know her more intimately.

On stage she whips out this gorgeous Japanese fan, which is perfectly functional for the room temperature and functionally perfect for the performance. Her attitude, posture and sound make her a star on an unparalleled stage. The accordion player and Dee Dee’s sleek, sensual saunter make love in such a wonderful manner on “My Man”. Of course, a tune made popular by Billie Holiday who Dee Dee had the honor of playing for two years in a theatrical show called, "Lady Day”. Her impression is on hit!

“If You Love Me, Really Love Me”, done in English and French, like most of the tunes in her set, was a tribute to Shirley. It was done as a duet with guitar and vocals, a serenade of love, honor, respect and appreciation. One phrase in the song sounded just like Shirley would sing it. It gave me the sense of an everlasting universal presence of the spirit of Shirley Horn.

On the CD, Dee Dee selected French songs that are identified by the melodies, but at the same time, give praise to the American artist who made them popular. Claude Nougaro was one composer who always put French lyrics to jazz standards to help promote and keep jazz alive abroad.

Dee Dee brings the funk and hip-hop, be-boy phrasing to the piece “Girl Talk”. She opens the floor for her drummer Minino, who gets down and uses the audience’s syncopated clap as a part of his drum and percussive display. He and Dee Dee have fun playing on stage and making each other laugh. This brings a smile and warmth to everyone in the crowd. She closes by telling us to “Stay in the Light”. With a torch that shines as bright as she does, there will always be!

LeRoy Downs