An all-star group of New York and New Orleans musicians and vocalists will present the music of the great jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald modified, deconstructed, revamped, and reimagined for the current era. The show begins at 8 PM on Thursday night at Chickie Wah Wah and will feature two, 90-minute sets of music.
The project is the brainchild of Graham Hawthorne, one of the most highly regarded drummers in the music world. Formerly based in New York City, Hawthorne recently relocated to New Orleans. The musicians and singers will present a series of individual vocalists as well as male/ female duets representing Ella’s solo work and her efforts with male vocalists such as Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby. The new arrangements are by Hawthorne.
The cast of musicians and vocalists involved in this theatrical production include familiar faces from New Orleans and some serious talent out of New York. Brent Carter, an incredible, New York-based soul singer, will be joined by New Orleans vocalists Kristina Morales, Cole Williams, Sandra Grace Johnson, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, and Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph.
Graham Hawthorne has appeared live and in the studio with a long list of major artists including Paul Simon, David Byrne, Ron Carter, and Randy Brecker. Known for his funky soulful groove, Hawthorne is also a sought after studio musician, producer, and arranger.
Brent Carter has been the lead singer for R&B super bands Tower of Power and the Average White Band. He sang the Maurice White vocal parts on Broadway for the Earth Wind & Fire musical, Hot Feet. He has worked in national traveling theater shows, sung radio commercial jingles, and was a featured background singer for Regina Belle and BeBe & CeCe Winans.
The High Standard Orchestra will perform the music for this special show. Originally conceived, organized, and led by Hawthorne as the Harlem Speakeasy Orchestra, the band is an underground sensation in New York City bringing the great American songbook to life in a fresh and exciting way.
Do not expect the same tried and true versions of the definitive songs. The tunes are modernized while retaining a classic stylistic approach. Consider a theatrical reimaging of Bye, Bye Blackbird seamlessly blended with Lennon and McCartney’s “Blackbird.” Or “Misty Blue” rendered with elements of jazz poetry and Jamaican toasting.
