Kim Nalley: The Heart of Lady Day

Contributed by Jerry Karp

Sunday, 19 November 2006

Kim Nalley sings Billie Holiday Kim Nalley sings Billie Holiday Friday-Sunday, November 24-26 at Jazz at Pearl's. On the heals of her triumphant month-long performance as Billie Holiday in the theatrical production, Lady Day in Love, Kim Nalley brings the tender side of Holiday to life in this special weekend performance of her show, "The Heart of Lady Day" at Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco. Nalley, in her own unique and heartfelt style, will interpret the songs made famous by Holiday. She'll be joined by sensitive, bluesy pianist Tammy Hall, swinging guitarist Josh Workman, cool-hand bassist Mike Zisman and steady-swinging drummer Kent Bryson. Of course, the marvelous Miss Nalley is no stranger to the songs and personna of the great Billie Holiday. Her fans have frequently enjoyed her performances channeling Holiday in her award winning show "Ladies Sing the Blues." That's in addition to Nalley's recent series of triumphant concert tributes to the great Nina Simone, and her many shows in San Francisco and around the world, treating audiences to her own sweet and sassy personna and astounding talents. "Ever have that feeling that you're sitting in on something special - a music, a singer, a style that makes you feel a certain wistful reminiscence for this same night to begin all over again, even though it's barely begun? That is the effect of a Kim Nalley performance." -Jean Bartlett, Pacifica Tribune Kim Nalley combines a lithe, beautiful sound and compelling sense of swing with just enough old-school charm to create an instant and genuine rapport with her audience. Nalley topped the success of her 2003 CD, Need My Sugar, with this year's astounding She Put a Spell on Me, her powerful, heartfelt and hugely entertaining tribute to the great Nina Simone. SFStation gave the CD 4 stars, saying, "Nalley shows off her soaring, sultry vocals as she powers through an appropriately eclectic set of jazz, blues, showtunes and folk . . . . Invariably, her bold voice and impressive range will inspire comparisons to the likes of Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald, but it's a tribute to Nalley that she distinguishes herself as a unique talent. . . ." No secret to the music world at large, Kim Nalley has performed at most of the major Jazz festivals throughout the world, garnering rave reviews along the way, and performed with heavyweights from James Williams, Jimmy McGriff and Billy Higgins to Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony. Buy or listen to Kim Nalley's singing Billie Holiday here! cdbaby.com/cd/kimnalley2 November 24-26 Times: Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show. 2 Shows: 8:00 pm & 10:00 pm Shows are 75 - 90 minutes each.