Airs Thursday, October 22, at 8 p.m. This is the first day in a one-time-only, three-day run featuring phenomenal vocalists Catherine Russell and Charenee Wade. Channelling the pioneering vocal styles of 1920s blues divas Bessie Smith ("the Empress of the Blues"), Mamie Smith ("the Queen of the Blues"), Ma Rainey ("the Mother of the Blues") and the legendary icon of stage and film, Ethel Waters, the program features arrangements of the era, under the musical direction of pianist Mark Shane and an all-star band featuring Warren Vaché (trumpet), Mark Lopeman (reeds), Harvey Tibbs (trombone), Chris Flory (guitar), Tal Ronen (bass) and Mark McLean (drums).
"Jazz, of course, has to keep moving on. But as a venturesome and cutting-edge as it becomes, at the center of gravity that has always kept the music alive and surprising is 'the grove' that Catherine Russell embodies." -The Wall Street Journal
Savannah Music Festival: Ladies Sing the Blues Feat. Catherine Russell and Charenee Wade
