Thursday, May 2, 6:00 p.m.
Music Charge: $30
"The pairing of Beegie and Monica is a master class on how to interpret timeless songs with style, taste and a swinging contemporary sensibility.” – Michael Feinstein
“It's obvious, when you listen, that they have a simpatico personal and professional relationship.” – Jeff Coffin
The legendary Beegie Adair will be returning to Birdland with vocalist Monica Ramey. Their performances, as a duo and with the renowned Beegie Adair Trio, have consistently energized sold out audiences. Adair's albums have dominated the jazz charts and album sales while Ramey's sophomore album, produced by Adair and bassist Roger Spencer, are creating a reinvigorated excitement among the jazz world. Ms. Adair and Ms. Ramey are thrilled to return to Birdland for a special “One Night Only” duo performance.
Jazz great Helen Merrill salutes Adair’s “inventive jazz sense, her wonderful sense of time and improvised melody.” Michael Feinstein calls Adair “a marvelously understated player whose interpretations of standards are just brilliant," Christopher Louden of Jazz Times magazine says she is “an accomplished artist with a delicate touch.” The Los Angeles Times calls her music “Elegant.” Entertainment News writes, “Beegie Adair is one of the finest piano players in the world.”
Jazz fans around the world agree with critics about Adair’s sophisticated and listenable jazz performances, and have made her recordings among the biggest sellers in the jazz world. Under the guidance of her esteemed mentor and friend, Ramey is quickly catching the attention of jazz fans, critics and musicians.
Guitarist Anthony Wilson declares Ramey “sings with grace and elegance” and “uses these abilities to deliver the world of the song first to your ears (sometimes it’s like she’s singing directly to you), then to a much deeper place where you can really feel it.” The Nashville Scene calls her “a first-rate interpreter of the jazz canon.” Pianist Chris Walters finds Ramey’s music “a miracle – at times controlled and concise, at others, fervent and daring, all the while abundant with wisdom” all while drummer Marcus Finnie states "Monica is truly an "Artist." Her interpretation and phrasing of these works are moving and beautiful."
Doors open for a special meet and greet with the artists at 5pm. For reservations and more information, please visit www.ticketfly.com orwww.birdlandjazz.com.
