Zoe Francis 'Blossom Dearie'
Last Show: Thursday 5 th December 2019
PizzaExpress Live (Maidstone)
Zoe Francis and her great trio led by multi award-winning guitarist Jim Mullen, take a fresh look at the repertoire of iconic American singer/pianist Blossom Dearie, who's unique vocal style and accompaniment personalised every song she sang. Blossom moved to New York at the time of "Birth of The Cool" by Miles Davis and Gil Evans. In the late 1950's Blossom recorded six classic albums for Norman Granz', Verve Label working with musicians including the great Ray Brown and Kenny Burrell. In 1966 Blossom recorded a live album at Ronnie Scotts, and with shows at the Pizza On the Park Club Blossom became a favourite with UK audiences. Toinight Zoe will showcase the new generation of composers and lyricists after Cole Porter and Irving Berlin who Blossom championed throughout her long career, including songs by Cy Coleman, Carolyn Leigh, Dave Frishberg, Bob Dorough, Leonard Bernstein, Comden and Green. Titles- "Peel me a Grape", I'm Hip", "When in Rome", "You Fascinate me So" and "My attorney Bernie". Joining Zoe and Jim will be Graham Harvey, piano (Stacey Kent) and Mick Hutton, bass, the Ray Brown of the UK!